A big thanks to Shawn C for providing fresh news from Singapore’s Ministry of Defense:
1. Overseas exercises will restart soon after the COVID-19 caused delays - see https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/covid-19-saf-suspends-major-overseas-exercises-including-exercise-wallaby
2. First Invincible class [and see] submarine delivery delayed by COVID-19 to 2022. As Shawn C mentioned previously the two Archer class were extensively refurbished ten years ago and should be viable till later in the decade. The two active Challenger-class submarines [RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain] are now over 55 years old and been in commission in the RSN for just under twenty years.
4. Singapore's F-35B program is on track. Four F-35Bs with eight options. Announced cost inclusive of training and sustainment, training in US. Considering that the RSAF and Italian Air Force both now use the M-346 jet trainer for lead-in fighter training (LIFT) and both operate the F-35B, there could be a future shift to Italian F-35B flight training.
5. The Multi-Role Combat Vessel program on track to replace Victory-class corvettes by 2030. Now this is a mystery program as there’s no contract award announcement and steel needs to be cut very soon, The Victory-class is over 30 years old. Speculation from IMDEX2019 was the class could be mid-size frigates (my best guess are Belh@rra class [frigate derivates of around 4,500 tons]).
6. Four former ‘patrol vessels’ to be reconfigured for new MARSEC (Maritime Security Command or MSTF?). Most likely retired Fearless-Class without 76mm and AShM, more less-than-lethal fit (MRAD, water cannons), boarding and surveillance. Two additional new vessels to be added in near future.
7. Singapore constructs the majority of surface vessels locally at ST Marine’s Benoi yard, and they will be facing production pressures as the next long-term project after the Multi-Role Combat Vessel is the JMMS (Joint Multi Mission Support) class scheduled to replace the Endurance-class Landing Platform Dock in the early 2030s.
For additional details on the above points see https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/saf-covid-19-delays-new-submarine-f35-fighter-jet-ng-eng-hen-12880436