Singapore retires Fearless-class patrol boat in preparation for LMV inductionRidzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
08 March 2017
Key Points* Singapore has begun decommissioning its Fearless-class patrol boats
* Class will be retired to make way for the republic's new Littoral Mission Vessels
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has decommissioned the 55 m Fearless-class patrol vessel, RSS Independence (87), after 19 years of service.

The Republic of Singapore Navy's Fearless-class patrol vessel, RSS Independence, while on duty in the South China Sea. The ship was decommissioned on 8 March 2017. (Ministry of Defence, Singapore)
The boat was formally retired on 8 March at Tuas Naval Base in a decommissioning ceremony presided over by RSN chief Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han.
The Fearless class, which has been referred to by the country's ministry of defence as the first warships wholly designed and built in Singapore, has been operational since 1996, and is being progressively retired to make way for the RSN's new Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs).
Independence was launched by then Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited (currently known as ST Marine) in April 1998. The vessel was mostly deployed for maritime surveillance, patrol, and escort operations while in service with the RSN's 182 Squadron, as part of the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF).
The 508-tonne, water-jet-propelled platform is powered by two MTU 12V 595 TE90 diesel engines, giving it a top speed on 20 kt and a standard range of 1,800 n miles at 15 kt. Defensive capabilities are provided for by an Oto Melara 76 mm naval gun and 12.7 mm machine guns. A number of vessels in the Fearless class are also armed with a 25 mm gun system.
The name 'RSS Independence' will be handed over to Singapore's first LMV, which is due to be commissioned in mid-2017, along with its operational duties in 182 Squadron.