Singapore's 'Formidable' Frigate Flaunts New 'Blue Spear' Missile, Replacing Harpoon

Singapore's navy has publicly displayed its new Blue Spear missile system for the first time, mounted on the Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast. This marks the first visual evidence of the advanced anti-ship missile being fitted onto the vessel, which is set to replace the long-serving RGM-84 Harpoon missiles.

The Blue Spear missile, developed by Proteus Advanced Systems, a joint venture between Israel Aerospace Industries and Singapore Technologies Engineering, boasts a range of approximately 290 kilometers. This significantly extends the strike capability compared to the Harpoon's 209 km range. Crucially, the Blue Spear also possesses land-attack capabilities, enhancing the frigate's versatility beyond anti-ship roles.

This upgrade is part of Singapore's ongoing naval modernization efforts. The Formidable-class frigates, originally capable of carrying up to 24 Harpoon missiles, are expected to maintain a similar capacity with the Blue Spear. The mid-life upgrade (MLU) program also includes enhancements to the ships' combat management, communication, and propulsion systems.

The Blue Spear missile utilizes a turbojet engine and features both "fire-and-forget" and "mid-course update" modes. It is designed to operate in complex electromagnetic environments and employs algorithms for target identification. Its low-sea-skimming approach makes it difficult for adversaries to detect and intercept.

Beyond the frigates, Singapore is also developing its largest and most complex Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs), for which the Blue Spear is a potential armament. The navy's modernization also includes acquiring two more 218SG submarines and Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. The deployment of the Blue Spear on the RSS Steadfast is seen as a significant milestone, showcasing the successful defense industry cooperation between Israel and Singapore and potentially boosting the missile's prospects in international markets.