Singapore begins uncrewed deployments of MARSEC USV

A Republic of Singapore Navy MARSEC USV seen here in the Singapore Strait on 4 February 2025. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has begun uncrewed deployments of its maritime security (MARSEC) unmanned surface vessel (USV).

Speaking to reporters at an event to demonstrate the USV's capability on 4 February, Colonel Thung Yee Meng, commander of the RSN's Sixth Flotilla, disclosed that these deployments began in January.

While operations of the first USVs began in 2023, they were crewed deployments with a two-men team onboard the vessel throughout each mission.

Since then, the RSN has been fine-tuning its operations with the USV, includingcarrying out validations of the vessel's navigation and engagement algorithms and assessing how it interacts with other vessels in the Singapore Strait, Col Thung added.

Janes first reported in October 2020 that Singapore Technologies (ST) had begun sea acceptance tests of the USV, which is part of a programme to deploy unmanned vessels for patrol operations along the Singapore Strait.

At the time of these tests, the programme was known as the coastal defence USV. The programme was subsequently rebrandedas the MARSEC USV in 2021.

With an overall length of 16.9 m and a beam of 5.2 m, the USV displaces about 30 tonnes. It is propelled by water-jets and can attain top speeds in excess of 25 kt with an endurance of over 36 hours.

Janes understands that the USV platform was designed and manufactured by Taiwanese shipbuilder Lung Teh in Su'ao. The units were then shipped to ST Engineering Electronics for further fitting-out and systems integration.

Sensors on the USV include a Rafael Toplite electro-optical gimbal incorporated with stereovision cameras and a laser rangefinder, a navigation radar, and collision detection equipment.