IMDEX 2025: Singapore selects Italian non-lethal weapon for new OPVs, MRCVs

A mock-up of the Sitep Italia MASS that will go onboard Singapore's MRCVs and maritime security OPVs, on display at IMDEX 2025. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Singapore has selected Sitep Italia's multirole acoustic stabilised system (MASS) as the non-lethal weapon option for its future fleet of maritime security offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and multirole combat vessels (MRCVs).

Janes has learnt at the IMDEX 2025 naval and defence exhibition that the MASS will be similar to the ones that have been installed onboard the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) fleet of four Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRVs).

Singapore is anticipating the delivery of six MRCVs from ST Engineering and four maritime security OPVs from German shipbuilder Fassmer.

Keels for the first two OPVs were laid down by Lithuania's Western Baltic Shipyard in April, while steel for the second MRCV was cut in the same month.

The RSN is expected to receive its first maritime security OPV and first MRCV in 2028.

Each OPV and MRCV will receive two MASS units, and these turrets will be installed on the port and starboard sides to increase coverage area.

The MASS is a remote-controlled non-lethal weapon system that features an acoustic hailing device, which can project audio instructions and warnings at distances of up to 3,000 m.

This device can also inflict pain-inducing sounds at distances of up to 125 m.

In addition to the acoustic hailer, the MASS has been incorporated with a 5,000 mW laser dazzler that can temporarily blind its targets. The dazzler can be operated in either strobe or continuous modes.