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!
23 Comments
How strong do you think Singapore's submarines are? Let us know down below!
"The Malaysian Navy reports that Malaysia’s first Scorpene class submarine, delivered in September 2009, has developed problems that have left it unable to submerge. “The submarine can still dive but when we detected the defects, we were advised that it should not dive,” Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. “The defects are still covered by warranty, so the supplier and contractor are repairing them,” he added. This is the third fault found with the Scorpenes built for Malaysia. Malaysian Navy commander Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the first problem to emerge involved the submarine’s cooling system This problem was discovered last December. This delayed the submarine’s voyage from France to Malaysia. During January 2010 another defect was identified, in a different system. These faults have already delayed the delivery of the second submarine, the KD Tun Razak. This submarine was originally scheduled for delivery in late 2009 but will now enter service in May 2010."
https://www.defenseworld.net/2010/02/06/malaysias-scorpene-submarine-refuses-to-submerge.html
Cos we , like Israel , surrounded by Islamic countries , we never know if they ever turn against us
In my fictional world, Malaysia is better than Singapore because they have Boboiboy and Ejen Ali
In my fictional world, Malaysia surpasses Singapore in every area because they have Boboiboy and Ejen Ali
In my fictional world, Malaysia submarines is better and stronger than Singapore because they have Boboiboy and Ejen Ali
Most importantly it is the transfer of technology and knowledge to be able to build ships and subs in singapore's shipyard
Advanced technology in machines and weapons is needed to deter invasions. However, I hope none of these formidable weapons will be used. World Peace Please!
Invisible invincible 💪💪💪
Its direct competitors aka threats are its neighbours. It is not like US which is going for world domination(hegemony) or annihilation.
When i was younger, i always laughed at SG over reactions and spending on their military.
Right now, I am fully aware and support SG decision. Being surrounded by potential terrorists sects and their religion is very dangerous.
And yes i am a Malaysian.
comment section gonna have nationalists lol.
There the nationalist weapon yanks trying to stir u trouble by egging the Singaporean to buy submerine from either US or the west. Typical of those nationalist always stirring up trouble. No bloy bunch of numbskull
Indonesia & Malaysia can fight a 10 year protracted war. Can Singapore fight that long?
Japan and China are Singapore neighbours? Another content made by an in breeding creator.
To Donald Trump: Mr President, we do spend for our defense…
As a Singaporen, I agree that despite our small army size we are still a formidable foe
Majulah Singapura
As a Singaporean with a father who dedicated 42 years to the Navy, I tell you this While our Navy may be small, our missiles are big. It's not the size that counts, but how effectively it's utilized.
when comes to war…
this submarine would be no where to be found… 😂 😂
Malaysia's most advanced stealth plane -> MH370
Yet to proven …otherwise just paper tiger…😂
Singapore is stronger than Indonesia and Malaysia