Below are four videos produced by Naval News, reporting aspects of the IMDEX Asia 2023 Trade Show, some of which included paid sponsorship. 

I have also reproduced the commentary that accompanied each video where it was posted on YouTube.

Day 1 at IMDEX Asia 2023. In this video, we focused on the MRCV (multi-role combat vessel) program of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

We interviewed Saab, the prime contractor for the basic design phase, ST Engineering, prime contractor for the detailed design, and Thales who will provide multi-function radars for the these vessels. The RSN shared an animated video with us which we comment.

The design of the MRCVs incorporates the ’mothership’ concept, where a manned vessel is able to operate multiple unmanned systems to expand its surveillance and influence over a large area. The MRCVs will support the operations of unmanned drones and vessels, which will be key force multipliers for the RSN’s operations. It will be configurable to be fitted with modular mission modules so that it can conduct a wide range of missions from peace to war. In addition, we will incorporate automation and data analytics into our combat and platform systems to enhance situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and improve efficiencies in logistics and engineering support.

The ’mothership’ concept is a natural progression from the RSN’s unmanned journey since the early-2000s. We incorporated the lessons learnt from past shipbuilding projects, including the locally designed littoral mission vessels. We also leveraged technology, such as 3D modelling and detailed model testing, to test and evaluate the design. At the same time, our RSN operators and engineers work closely with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) engineers during the design stage to ensure that operational, logistics and maintenance requirements are properly incorporated.

Day 2 at IMDEX Asia 2023 in Singapore. In this video, we discuss the Mine Counter Measure (MCM) vessel built by German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). We also meet with Kraken of Canada to find out more about their KATFISH High-Speed Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar system. Last but not least, we learn all the details about the MU90 lightweight torpedo (and a key future feature: hard kill counter-torpedo) with Eurotorp.

• 00:36 – Abeking & Rasmussen MCM Vessel and USVs
• 03:21 – Kraken’s KATFISH High-Speed Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar system
• 05:43 – Eurotorp’s MU90 LWT torpedo

• 01:03 – BARAK MX Integrated Air & Missile Defense System
• 01:40 – Gunnery solution / weapon control computer
• 02:02 – MF-STAR digital AESA radar
• 02:53 – LAHAT advanced lightweight laser homing missile
• 03:10 – LORA Long Range Artillery Precision Strike Tactical Missile
• 03:41 – Mini HARPY Multi-Purpose Tactical Loitering Munition
• 04:57 – VTOL UAV
• 05:18 – Containerized solution

At IMDEX Asia 2023, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems highlighted for the first time the IRON BEAM’s naval application and unveiled the new C-DOME Mission Module. =====================

Rafael’s NAVAL IRON BEAM is designed to quickly and effectively engage and neutralize a variety of threats, including short-range ballistic rockets, drones and UAVs of various sizes. Like its land-based variant, the naval application can be integrated into an existing air defense system such as the IRON DOME, thus constituting a complementary, cost-effective defense solution, in addition to the kinetic air defense capability. The company also showcased its newest configuration of the naval application of IRON DOME, known as the C-DOME Mission Module. With C-DOME already tested and operational in the Israeli Navy, RAFAEL has developed the C-DOME Mission Module concept for local defense applications, providing advanced solutions for OPVs, auxiliary ships, and other naval support ships and assets, enabling them with advanced air defense capabilities, without the need for deck penetration, vessel hull retrofit or complex platform integration.