In April 2025, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) successfully conducted a live-fire test of an Aster 15 surface-to-air missile from its lead Formidable-class frigate, RSS Formidable, in waters near Toulon, France. The missile intercepted and destroyed a Banshee aerial target drone, demonstrating the ship’s advanced air defense capabilities and operational readiness. This test comes at a time when navies globally are facing increasing threats from unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles, making such demonstrations of integrated air defense systems particularly significant.
The missile firing was witnessed by senior RSN leadership, including Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and coincided with his working visit to Toulon, where he met with French naval counterparts to discuss ongoing defense cooperation. The French defense procurement agency (DGA) and French Navy provided key support for the test, indicating the strong 60-year partnership between Singapore and France and highlighting French technological contributions to Singapore’s naval modernization.
This event also aligns with the ongoing midlife upgrade of the Formidable-class frigates, led by ST Engineering and Naval Group Far East. The upgrade program, announced in December 2023, will enhance the frigates’ combat management, communications, weapons, and sensors, while introducing predictive maintenance systems and greater commonality with Singapore’s upcoming Multirole Combat Vessels. Notably, the frigates’ Harpoon missiles will be replaced by Proteus Blue Spear anti-ship missiles, nearly doubling their offensive range.
The Formidable-class frigates, based on the French La Fayette-class design and built between 2004 and 2009, are the RSN’s primary surface combatants, equipped for multi-role operations and advanced air defense. This successful missile test not only validates the RSN’s warfighting capabilities but also highlights Singapore’s commitment to continuous modernization and strategic defense partnerships.
(Source: Naval News)
