RSN’s second Archer—class submarine back in S’pore

SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) second Archer—class submarine is back from Sweden.

On hand to welcome the RSS Swordsman at Changi Naval Base was Chief of Navy, Rear—Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers.

The RSS Swordsman is one of two ex—Royal Swedish Navy Vstergtland—class submarines that Singapore acquired in 2005. It has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions.

The submarine’s crew has also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2008 to acquire the skill sets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.

The RSS Swordsman was launched in Karlskrona, Sweden, on October 20, 2010. It will join the 171 Squadron, under the RSN’s Fleet Command, to enhance the RSN’s capability in securing the seaward defence of Singapore and protect vital sea lines of communication.

The RSS Archer was the RSN’s first Archer—class submarine.

—CNA/ac