Singapore Decommissions Challenger-Class Submarines, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain
The event, officiated by RSN Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, marked the final transfer of duties from the Challenger-class submarines to the modern German-built Invincible-class submarines.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has officially decommissioned its last two Challenger-class submarines, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, in a ceremony held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on November 25, 2024.
The event, officiated by RSN Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, marked the final transfer of duties from the Challenger-class submarines to the modern German-built Invincible-class submarines.
The Challenger-class submarines, originally Sjöormen-class submarines built by Kockums for the Swedish Navy, were acquired by the RSN in the 1990s.
In total, the RSN operated four Challenger-class submarines, with the first two, RSS Challenger and RSS Centurion, were decommissioned in 2015.
The remaining two, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, were commissioned by then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, on July 22, 2000, and August 24, 2002, respectively.
The Challenger-class submarines, alongside RSN’s pioneer submariners who trained in Sweden, played a pivotal role in developing Singapore’s submarine operational capabilities.
Over their decades of service, these submarines safeguarded Singapore’s maritime interests and sovereignty through numerous operations at sea.
They also strengthened Singapore’s defence relationships by participating in bilateral and multilateral exercises.
Fleet Commander RADM Kwon Hon Chung, in his tribute to the submarines and their generations of crew, remarked, “The achievements of RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain are a testament to the resilience and bravery of the RSN’s pioneer submariners, who laid the solid foundation for the growth of the 7th Flotilla and the RSN as a world-class submarine operating force.”
“These submarines marked our entry into the underwater domain 29 years ago, overcoming numerous challenges with the invaluable support of the Royal Swedish Navy.”
“From these humble beginnings, our submariners pushed the boundaries of submarine operations with determination and tenacity, and today, they confidently operate cutting-edge platforms.”
The Challenger-class submarines are being replaced by the Invincible-class, Singapore’s next-generation submarines.
In 2013 and 2017, Singapore signed separate contracts with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to acquire four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines, named RSS Invincible, RSS Impeccable, RSS Illustrious, and RSS Inimitable.
Currently, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable have arrived in Singapore, with the former arriving in July 2023 and the latter in August 2024.
The remaining two submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, are under construction in Germany and are expected to be delivered to Singapore by 2028.
Once fully operational, these submarines will enhance RSN’s capabilities with state-of-the-art technologies.
In addition to the Invincible-class submarines, the RSN also operates two Archer-class submarines, RSS Archer and RSS Swordsman.
These are ex-Swedish Navy Västergötland-class submarines acquired from Sweden and also built by Kockums.
With the decommissioning of the two Challenger-class submarines today, the Republic of Singapore Navy now operates a total of four submarines: two Invincible-class submarines (RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable) and two Archer-class submarines (RSS Archer and RSS Swordsman), which are refurbished Västergötland-class submarines originally from the Swedish Navy.
However, by 2028, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s submarine fleet will increase to six with the completion of two Invincible-class submarines, RSS Inimitable and RSS Illustrious, currently under construction in Germany.
As part of the ceremony, RADM Sean Wat also officiated the launch of the new Submarine Training School (STS).
Named after RSS Challenger, the STS honors the legacy of the Challenger-class submarines. This milestone represents a significant development in RSN’s local submarine training capabilities.
The STS is a comprehensive training facility equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance the realism, efficiency, and effectiveness of training.
The facility includes simulators designed for both individual and team training, enabling personnel to train safely in realistic scenarios.
The event was attended by current and former crew members of RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, as well as senior RSN officers. – DSA
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