RSN, One of the Most Potent Navies in the Region, Showcases Capabilities

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is highlighting its capability in operating in today’s multi-domain battlespace. The RSN has evolved in the last decade into a state-of-the-art fighting force with a fleet of highly capable warships, submarines and Off-Shore Patrol Vessels (OPV), supported by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in the aerial domain. It is some of these capabilities that are on show at the ongoing IMDEX Asia.

The RSN is now slated to receive additional conventional submarines and will also launch its first Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) later this year. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is now seeking a replacement for its Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, have been in service since 1993. Two of the possible contenders are Boeing’s P-8A and the Airbus Defence C-295.

Earlier this year in March, it was announced that the RSN would grow its fleet of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Type 218SG submarines to six. The induction of six customised submarines designed for operations in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters, will dramatically enhance the deterrent value of the RSN. Singapore sits astride two of the busiest Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the world – the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca – through which about one-third of the world's maritime trade is transported. The maritime industry is a significant feature of Singapore's economy contributing around 7% of its Gross Domestic Product. The RSN plays a key role in keeping these SLOCs open.

The RSN’s Type 218SG submarines are some of the most modern conventional submarines the world has ever seen, belonging to a new, state-of-the-art generation, in addition to being the largest submarines built in Germany to date. The induction of six Type 218SG submarines will allow the RSN to have atleast three submarines permanently deployed.

The Type 218SG submarines have a length of about 70 metres, a displacement of around 2,000 tonnes and feature Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems giving the boats long underwater endurance. Type 218SG submarines will have a crew complement of 28.