IMDEX 2025: ST Engineering to supply Singapore with unmanned MCM systems

A Republic of Singapore Navy MARSEC USV seen in the Singapore Strait on 4 February 2025. The new MCM USVs to be supplied by ST Engineering will likely be modelled after the MARSEC USV. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

ST Engineering has received contracts to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) with a suite of mine-countermeasures (MCM) unmanned systems, the company disclosed in a media release on 7 May on the sidelines of IMDEX 2025, held in Singapore from 6 to 8 May.

The suite will comprise a fleet of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and a command-and-control (C2) centre, read the statement.

In addition to this, the company will supply the RSN with a “high-fidelity simulation system” for operators to hone their skills with the equipment under various MCM scenarios, it added.

“Designed to operate in unison, both the USV and AUV will be integrated with advanced sensors to detect and classify mines,” the company said in its media release.

“Real-time data from the USV and AUV will be transmitted to the C2 centre through a secure communications network, also to be developed by ST Engineering, enabling quick assessments and faster decision making.”

“The USV will also be integrated with advanced payloads to identify and neutralise the mines. The C2 centre will act as the operational hub, remotely monitoring and controlling the USV and AUV from shore or the mother ship, ensuring safety by maintaining a safe distance during the MCM operation,” the company added.

No further details on this simulator and MCM systems were provided in the media release. Similarly, ST Engineering has stopped short of revealing any numbers or the USV type that will be supplied to the RSN.