The corvettes, equipped with variable-depth sonar and lightweight torpedoes, were the first class of ship in the RSN to have anti-submarine capabilities to counter the threat from the increased number of submarines passing through the Malacca Strait, with Soviet submarines having been tracked passing through entirely submerged.

[3][4] As part of a subsequent expansion programme, the RSN ordered a squadron of missile corvettes from Lürssen Werft in 1983.

In 1996, the corvettes were fitted with two sets of 8-cell Barak I launchers, a second fire control radar on the platform aft of the mast and an optronic director on the bridge roof.

[8] However, this upgrade saw the removal of their anti-submarine capabilities, which now reside with the Formidable-class frigates and their organic S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters.

[9] Besides its primary role as the RSN's strike platform, the MCVs have participated in a variety of key exercises and operations during peacetime.