Singapore’s Submarines | How Strong is it?

Singapore has one of the strongest submarines in its region.

Narrated by Tom McKay
Video Edited by Iyanbriandi

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Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.

Singapore’s Navy strength is still debated until  this very day. Many people like to claim that   Singapore’s Navy is rather weak, due to its small  size. Its capabilities are easily outclassed by   its larger neighbors. While it is true that  Singapore is very small in terms of size and  

Population, what still stands out is the country’s  wealth. Singapore is still one of Asia’s largest   military spenders. According to a database  published by the Lowy Institute, the military   expenditure at defense sector purchasing power  parity ranks Singapore to actually be the 11th  

Highest out of 26 countries. A country as tiny as  Singapore is spending more than that of Thailand,   Vietnam, and the Philippines. Only Indonesia  spends more than Singapore. Singapore spent about   17.5 billion US dollars, whereas Indonesia  spent about 18.5 billion dollars. However,  

One should know that much of Singapore’s spending  goes to the purchase of advanced equipment,   such as submarines which are the topic of  today’s video. Whereas compared to Indonesia,   or the Philippines, which spends  a lot to employ its huge army. Its submarines, therefore, can easily outclass its  

Neighbors. Submarines are important in modern  day defense. Submarines play a critical role in   a nation’s naval strategy due to their stealth  capabilities and multi-mission potential.   Unlike surface ships, submarines can operate  undetected beneath the surface of the water,   making them ideal for surveillance, intelligence  gathering, and strategic deterrence. Their ability  

To carry and deploy a variety of weapons systems,  including torpedoes, mines, and cruise missiles,   makes them a formidable force in both offensive  and defensive operations. In the context of   Singapore’s unique geopolitical situation,  submarines serve as key assets in safeguarding its  

Territorial waters and ensuring maritime security  in the busy shipping lanes of Southeast Asia. The stealth capabilities of submarines are  particularly advantageous for Singapore.   Operating unseen beneath the waves, they are  ideal for conducting discreet surveillance   and intelligence operations in the region,  especially in the congested sea lanes near  

The Malacca Strait. This allows Singapore  to monitor potential threats and maintain   a secure maritime environment for both  national and international interests. Furthermore, The role of submarines in  Singapore’s naval strategy is not limited   to defense and security. They also contribute  to the nation’s efforts in maritime research  

And environmental conservation. The RSN’s  submarines can be employed in scientific   explorations and environmental monitoring  missions, aiding in the study of marine   ecosystems and oceanographic research, which  is crucial for an island nation like Singapore. So, let’s go on and answer the  important part of today’s video;   just how strong are Singapore’s submarines?

To begin this story, let us first jump into a  quick historical overview of Singapore’s submarine   program. The Republic of Singapore Navy or RSN for  short, began its submarine fleet in the late 1990s   with the acquisition of the Challenger-class  submarines, which were former Sjöormen-class  

Submarines from the Swedish Navy. This acquisition  included four vessels: the RSS Challenger,   RSS Conqueror, RSS Centurion, and RSS Chieftain,  commissioned in the early 2000s. These submarines   were extensively modernized versions of the  ex-Sjöormen class, with significant modifications   to adapt them to the operational conditions in  tropical waters, including the installation of  

Air conditioning, marine growth protection  systems, and corrosion-resistant piping. Later, in 2005, the RSN expanded its  fleet with two Archer-class submarines,   formerly Västergotland-class submarines,  also from the Swedish Navy. These were the   RSS Archer and RSS Swordsman, which  were commissioned in 2011 and 2013,   respectively. These vessels were  part of an effort to replace the  

Older Challenger-class submarines with  more advanced and capable submarines. More recently, the RSN has moved towards acquiring  new submarines. In 2013, the Ministry of Defence   (MINDEF) of Singapore signed a deal with the  German naval shipbuilding firm Thyssenkrupp Marine   Systems for two Type 218SG submarines, marking the  first time the RSN purchased brand-new submarines.  

These new submarines, with significantly improved  capabilities including Air Independent Propulsion   systems, are part of a strategy to replace the  aging Challenger-class submarines. The Type 218SG   submarines are custom-designed for operations  in Singapore’s unique maritime environment,   particularly its shallow and busy tropical waters;  it has a cost of over 1.36 billion US dollars.

In terms of capabilities, let us start with  the challenger class. The Republic of Singapore   Navy operates two Challenger-class  diesel-electric attack submarines,   each measuring 51 meters in length and with  a beam width of 6.1 meters. These submarines,   capable of reaching speeds up to 16 knots while  submerged, feature a distinct teardrop-shaped  

Hull and an X-rudder configuration. These design  elements contribute to their enhanced underwater   maneuverability. However, the Challenger-class  has a relatively limited diving depth,   reaching only up to 150 meters, which is  notably shallower compared to the 300-meter   capability of the Archer-class submarines. The  Challenger-class submarines are equipped with  

Advanced weapons systems that include the ability  to launch modern wire-guided torpedoes​​​​​​​​​​. The navy also includes two Archer-class  diesel-electric attack submarines,   each stretching 60.5 meters in length and  with a beam of 6.1 meters. These submarines   are capable of reaching speeds up to 15  knots when submerged. They are equipped  

With Stirling Mk 3 Air-Independent Propulsion  (AIP) technology, enhancing their stealth and   endurance underwater. Originally designed  for the colder conditions of the Atlantic,   these vessels have been adapted through  a ‘tropicalization’ process for operation   in warmer climates. This adaptation involved  installing corrosion-resistant piping and valves,   marine growth protection systems,  and additional cooling systems.

The Archer-class submarines boast an advanced  sonar system and the DCNS SUBTICS combat data   system, as well as a pressurized diver’s lockout  for special forces operations. Additionally,   they are fitted with a new flank array sonar  developed by Singapore’s Defence Science and   Technology Agency and ST Electronics. Their  armament includes the capability to fire WASS  

Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes, making them  formidable in their operational capabilities  Finally, four Invincible-class submarines,  constructed by the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp   Marine Systems. These state-of-the-art submarines  will each have a length of 70 meters and a beam   measuring 6.3 meters, capable of reaching speeds  up to 15 knots underwater. A notable feature of  

These submarines is their air-independent  propulsion (AIP) system based on fuel cell   technology, which significantly extends their  underwater endurance. In addition, they will be   equipped with combat systems developed by Atlas  Elektronik and ST Electronics. The armament of   the Invincible-class includes eight 533-millimeter  torpedo tubes, enabling them to launch heavyweight  

Torpedoes. This addition will enhance the  operational capabilities of the Singapore Navy,   reflecting their commitment to maintaining  a modern and effective maritime force​​​​​​. These invincible class submarines should  already show the strength of Singapore’s   submarine capabilities. Each submarine is  named invincible, impeccable, illustrious,  

And inimitable. Their names already show  just how the government is confident in   using them. While opinions fly around here  and there on its actual functionalities,   it should still have enough prowess to  defend the country’s interest. In fact,   according to a Singaporean commanding officer,  the submarines are “custom-designed for  

Operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy  tropical waters, and are also able to stay   underwater for a longer period of time”. The  same officer also said that “submarines are   crucial because they act as “force multipliers”  with their ability to attack with stealth”.

Despite the many opinions, it is still possible to  see loopholes around Singapore’s entire defense.   Indonesia, for instance, has a huge amount  of naval assets. Malaysia, on the other hand,   also has its own formidable submarines. But, can  these Indonesian warships, Malaysian submarines  

Even stand toe to toe against Singaporean  submarines? Well, if we are going to abide   by the weapons used, the sensors, technology and  overall performance, then it is easy to see just   how strong Singapore really is. But anyway, do  let us know what you think. Thanks for watching!