Launch of First Locally-Built RSN Frigate 03 Jul 2004 DPM Lee and RADM (NS) Teo on a tour of RSS Intrepid. The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second stealth frigate, RSS Intrepid, was launched on 3 Jul 2004, by Mrs Lee Hsien Loong, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, at the Singapore Technologies Marine yard. DPM Lee officiated at the launching ceremony. The launch of RSS Intrepid, the first locally-built frigate, marks another significant milestone for the RSN’s frigate programme. Singapore Technologies Marine, under a technology transfer agreement with French shipbuilder Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN), has successfully constructed and launched the locally-built ship on schedule. The RSN’s stealth frigates will be equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems, and have enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The RSN’s first 1 frigate, RSS Formidable, is currently at the DCN shipyard in L’orient, France, completing her outfitting phase and would be undergoing harbour and sea trials soon. She is expected to sail back to Singapore in early 2005. When RSN’s frigates come into service from 2007 onwards, the Navy will be able to undertake a wider spectrum of missions in order to defend Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications. The ceremony today was witnessed by Minister for Defence, RADM(NS) Teo Chee Hean, and senior MINDEF and SAF officials. Mrs Lee launching the RSN's second frigate, RSS Intrepid. DPM Lee delivering a speech at the launch of RSS Intrepid. 2 Factsheet: - Factsheet - Republic of Singapore Navy's Frigate Programme (Document No: MINDEF_20040703003.pdf) Speech: - Speech by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong at the Launch of RSS Intrepid (Document No: MINDEF_20040703002.pdf) 3 .