Singapore Unveils New 2,700-Tonne Maritime Security Asset

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has officially launched its first Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). This vessel is specifically designed to undertake a wide range of maritime security missions.

According as Channel News Asia on Friday (2/10/2026), the vessel, named Sentinel, is the first of four OPVs ordered by the Singaporean government. The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) stated that this robust vessel was built to meet increasing demands and the expanding scope of the nation’s maritime security operations.

The new ship is designed with calibrated capabilities, allowing for a measured and proportional response to various maritime incidents. This includes providing the Singaporean government with more tactical response options.

Previously, MINDEF signed a contract with the German shipbuilding company Fassmer to acquire all four new vessels. This advanced fleet is projected to replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security Response Vessels (MSRV), which consist of refurbished former Fearless-class patrol vessels that entered service in 2021.

Deliveries of the new vessels will take place in stages starting from 2028. The existing MSRVs will remain operational until the entire new OPV fleet is fully ready for service.

The three other OPVs—Guardian, Protector, and Bastion—are currently under construction. Following this launch, the Sentinel will undergo a series of platform and sea acceptance trials to validate its systems before deploying to Singaporean waters.

Moving forward, these OPVs will operate alongside other government agencies, such as the Police Coast Guard and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Chan Chun Sing, personally officiated the launch ceremony at the Fassmer shipyard in Berne, Germany, on Thursday. The historic event was attended by the German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, the Chief of the German Navy, Admiral Madley Wilhelm Tobias Abry, the Chief of the RSN, Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and senior defence officials from both nations.