Republic of Singapore Navy

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is the naval branch of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. The service was formally established in 1967 and has since undergone a substantial modernisation.
The RSN conducts operations with the Malaysian and Indonesian navies to combat piracy and terrorist threats in the crowded littoral waters of the straits of Malacca and Singapore. It also jointly operates the Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft with its counterparts from the Republic of Singapore Air Force to provide air surveillance of the seaward approaches to Singapore, which is one of the busiest sealanes in the world. The RSN has engaged in international anti-piracy operations further abroad, partaking in the multinational Combined Task Force 151 off the Gulf of Aden.
Though numerically small in comparison to its much larger neighbours in terms of tonnage and manpower reserves, the RSN seeks to maintain a qualitative superiority over any adversary through the implementation of new technologies, fostering of alliances with extra-regional navies, and increased reliance on automation and unmanned assets. Bilateral exercises with foreign navies are held regularly.
All commissioned ships of the RSN have the prefix "RSS" standing for "Republic of Singapore Ship".
Mission.
As an island nation, the RSN forms part of Singapore's first line of defence. Its stated mission objectives are to:
History.
Colonial era.
World War II.
The Republic of Singapore Navy traces its origins to the Royal Navy in the 1930s with only two patrol craft. The Straits Settlements Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve was established on 20 April 1934 and in 1941 became the Singaporean division of the Malayan Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (MRNVR) during World War II. The service received several 75' motor launches built locally by John I. Thornycroft & Company Shipyard in Tanjong Rhu: HMS "Pahlawan" and the first HMS "Panglima" in 1937; the latter would later be sunk during the Fall of Singapore in February 1942. A new 90' motor vessel bearing the name "Panglima" was launched in 1944, but upon its transfer to the MRNVR in 1948, proved unsuited for tropical waters and began deteriorating rapidly.
Merger with Malaysia.
In 1948, the Malayan Force was raised by the Singapore government and was later granted the title of the Royal Malayan Navy in 1952 in recognition of its services in action during the Malayan Emergency. The third and final "Panglima" was commissioned in January 1956 to replace the second vessel. Being more technologically advanced than her predecessors, she became an indespensible part of the local fleet.
On 16 September 1963, Singapore was admitted as a state of Malaysia under the terms of confederation and the Royal Malayan Navy was renamed the Royal Malaysian Navy. The Singapore division of the MRNVR was formally transferred from the command of the Royal Navy to the Malaysian Navy on 22 September 1963, becoming the Singapore Volunteer Force. During the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, Singapore-based ships were charged with defending the southern border against infiltrators and saboteurs, and also partook in local minor engagements against the Indonesian Navy.
Independence of Singapore.
On 9 August 1965, to form an independent republic. The Singapore Volunteer Force (SVF) became the "de facto" naval force of the new state, though it remained under the command of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Three ships remained in Singapore after separation: KD "Singapura", a captured Japanese minelayer; KD "Bedok", a patrol boat from Malaysia; and KD "Panglima", the former Royal Navy inshore patrol boat built in 1956. "Panglima" was recommissioned as a Republic of Singapore Ship on 1 January 1966. The volunteer force ceased to be under Malaysia a month later and was renamed the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force (SNVF) on 1 February; "Singapura" and "Bedok" were recommissioned, the former serving as a floating headquarters.
On 5 May 1967, the new Singapore naval ensign was hoisted at the Telok Ayer Basin for the first time. In September, the service was renamed the People's Defence Force – Sea and placed under the Sea Defence Command, with the command being thereafter renamed the Maritime Command in December. These numerous name changes reflected the internal restructuring within the Singapore Armed Forces and the growing realization that maritime security would be a crucial element to national security. Headquarters was also shifted ashore to Pulau Belakang Mati in 1968. In order to develop and build up local expertise in seamanship and naval engineering, 160 naval recruits underwent training by Royal New Zealand Navy instructors in 1969. At the same time, aspiring officers were sent overseas to learn from established navies such as Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand.
The Maritime Command spearheaded an expansion program that would enable it to combat sea robberies and smuggling while projecting its seaward defense more effectively. In June 1968, six "Independence"-class patrol crafts were purchased and commissioned between 1970 and 1972, marking the first purpose built ships the Navy possessed. This was considered timely with British Prime Minister Harold Wilson having declared his intention to withdraw British troops from major military bases East of Suez by 1971, which required Singapore to fill the imminent security vacuum, though Britain eventually retained a smaller presence under the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Nevertheless, the growing constraints and strategic need for a base located nearer to the Singapore Strait necessitated a new base, and the Brani Naval Base on Pulau Brani was formally opened in December 1974. The foresight was proven correct only a few weeks later, when terrorists from the Japanese Red Army attacked an oil complex on Pulau Bukom and later hijacked the Laju ferry, leading to the Laju incident. Four patrol vessels, RSS "Sea Hawk", RSS "Independence", RSS "Sovereignty" and RSS "Daring" together with the Marine Police, were able to surround the fleeing ferry and prevent it from escaping. 
Colonel James Aeria would be the final commander of the Maritime Command. On 1 April 1975, with the reorganisation of the SAF into three distinct services, the Maritime Command was officially renamed the Republic of Singapore Navy, and has kept the name ever since.
Modernization of the fleet.
The RSN was the first navy in the region to successfully fire a live anti-ship missile when RSS "Sea Wolf" fired two Gabriel missiles in March 1974. From 1975 to 1976, six "Sea Wolf"-class missile gunboats were commissioned, which proved vital during Operation Thunderstorm when they were deployed to patrol and apprehend the influx of boat people fleeing the fall of South Vietnam. In order to support sealift operations, six "County"-class tank landing ships were purchased from the United States; these were popularly referred to as dollars ships due to the price ($1) paid for each vessel. Two "Bluebird"-class minesweepers were also transferred from the United States to combat the threat of mine warfare within the narrow and shallow channels of the Singapore Strait. Prior to this, the SAF Diving Center had already been established in 1971 to train the first batch of frogman recruits in conducting underwater mine disposal operations. In 1975, the service was reformed as the Naval Diving Unit and based at Sembawang Camp, where it remains.
During the latter half of the decade, the increased operational demands and rate of patrols led the Navy to seek three additional missile gunboats and an upgrade to the Harpoon missile for the existing fleet under Project Albatross. However, due to budgetary constraints in the early 1980s, Defence Minister Howe Yoon Chong decided that more funds should instead be allocated to the Air Force for the acquisition of a squadron of F-16s; the fighter jets were deemed to possess a higher strategic strike value and capable of more diverse roles compared to ships. Howe claimed the navy's function was best relegated to coastal defense, even suggesting mounting Oerlikon guns on towed barges as a replacement to guard the nation's maritime borders. While the plan did not come to fruition, the reduced budget was sufficient to commission twelve "Swift"-class coastal patrol craft which freed the missile gunboats from daily patrols for more strategic operations, though the upgrading program did not proceed.
With the Navy being the lowest priority among the three services, it saw little hope of an expanded fleet with a larger stake in Singapore's defence; many people left the service. This created a "crisis of confidence" within the RSN in the next few years, which defence planners regarded as lacking a proper doctrine for existence beyond patrols and tackling illegal immigration. It was not until 1984 that naval officials convinced the government of the necessity of a seagoing fleet to secure the nation's sea lines of communication in the Malacca Strait and South China Sea, both of which lead to the Port of Singapore; a major contributor to the economy. To combat the growing technological obsolescence and decline in morale, the government launched the "Navy 2000" program. The service underwent an internal restructuring with the formation of the Coastal Command (COSCOM) in 1988 and the Fleet in 1989, formalizing the responsibilities of each class of ship. Between 1990 and 2001, the resurgent navy acquired six "Victory"-class missile corvettes, twelve "Fearless"-class patrol vessels, four "Endurance"-class landing ship tanks and also commissioned four secondhand "Challenger"-class submarines from Sweden to hone its underwater domain skills.
In 1979, Malaysia had published a map laying claim to Pedra Branca, an offshore island controlled by Singapore. The resultant Pedra Branca dispute lasted 29 years until 2008 when the island was awarded to Singapore by the International Court of Justice, during which the Navy was heavily involved in patrols and maintained an active presence in the waters surrounding the island. In January 2003, RSS "Courageous" collided with a merchant vessel within the vicinity of Pedra Branca during a patrol, resulting in four casualties and the first ship to be stricken as a total loss. As a result of the accident, additional safety measures were implemented and the training program enhanced, including the requirement for all officers to better understand the maneuvering characteristics of their ship and take a COLREGs test every six months.
The RSN also participated in operations other than war within Southeast Asia and abroad. The Navy deployed its "Bedok"-class mine-countermeasure vessels to search the Musi River for SilkAir Flight 185; served as part of the Australian-led International Force East Timor to address the humanitarian and security crisis in the aftermath of the territory's referendum for independence in 1999; deployed three ships to provide humanitarian assistance and emergency aid to the Indonesian town of Meulaboh in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake; and was part of the Multi-National Force – Iraq coalition force maintaining maritime security around key Iraqi installations in the Persian Gulf.
New security challenges.
The RSN has sought to keep pace with the evolution of security threats and has introduced new "Archer"-class submarines, "Formidable"-class frigates and "Independence"-class littoral mission vessels to its fleet, seeking to enhance its deterrence at a time of rising disputes in the surrounding seas. Unmanned assets such as the Specialised Marine Craft patrol boat and Protector USV have also been commissioned to combat the personnel shortfall in Singapore due to falling birthrates. The Coastal Command was revamped in 2009 into the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) to act as a co-ordinating agency for all national maritime agencies to allow for the seamless execution of maritime security operations. 
In response to a surge in piracy during the decade, the RSN also engaged in multilateral anti-piracy operations in the Malacca Strait with neighbouring nations; and in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa under the multinational naval Combined Task Force 151, taking command of the task force thrice; the unmanned Protector USV was also fielded during the operation. The Navy also participated in both the search for MH Flight 370 in the Gulf of Thailand and QZ Flight 8501 in the Karimata Strait in 2014. In an analysis of the SAF humanitarian response to Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen noted that the disruption of communications on the ground underscored the need for a joint multi mission ship (JMSS) platform which could provide "centralised ability for command and control" in the air. The RSN celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017 and hosted an international fleet review, with twenty nations participating.
In October 2018, Malaysia extended its Johor Bahru port limits past its 1979 maritime claims into waters off the reclaimed Tuas sector which Singapore claims as its own, leading to a tit-for-tat response as the latter extended its Singapore port limits to overlap with Malaysia's. As Malaysia deployed elements of the Malaysia Coast Guard and government ships to enforce their claims, the RSN's littoral mission vessels were stationed on location 24/7 with the Police Coast Guard, leading to the 2018 Tuas standoff. Both nations eventually suspended the overlapping port limits and withdrew from the area following successful negotiations, though the area remains undelimited.
The Navy underwent a comprehensive restructuring in June 2020 which dissolved all the existing squadrons, reorganizing each class of ship into its separate flotilla; the Maritime Security Task Force was also replaced with the Maritime Security Command, with the newly-created Sea Security Group and Force Protection Group placed under it.
Future procurement plans.
Procurement plans have been announced for a multi-role combat vessel (MRCV) which will function as a mothership for unmanned assets; the mine-countermeasure Venus 16 USVs are planned to be deployed on the MRCVs. A joint multi mission ship (JMSS) which will facilitate better disaster relief support and greater aviation capability compared to the existing "Endurance"-class landing ship tanks was also announced, leading to speculation that it could effectively serve as a light helicopter carrier. The Navy also launched its first newly-built "Invincible"-class submarine in 2019. A new class of patrol vessels to operate alongside the existing littoral mission vessels are to enter service in 2026.
Organisation.
Command structure.
The Republic of Singapore Navy is led by the Chief of Navy (CNV), who reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). The CNV is responsible for the RSN's overall operational capabilities and administration. His deputies are the Chief of Staff-Naval Staff, Commander Maritime Security Task Force, Fleet Commander and Master Chief Navy. The organisational chart shows the peacetime administrative chain of command with six formations: the Fleet, Maritime Security Command, Naval Logistics Command, Naval Diving Unit, Navy Medical Service and the Maritime Training and Doctrine Command.
The current Chief of Navy is Rear Admiral Aaron Beng, who took over command on 23 March 2020.
Operating force.
The Fleet is responsible for operations beyond the Singapore Strait and represents the main strike arm of the navy. Its frigates and missile corvettes are capable of conducting anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine operations with their equipped armaments and sensors. Its landing ships tank and civil resource vessels provide sea transportation and logistics support overseas, while the submarines force provides a subsurface capability for the navy.
The Maritime Security Command (MARSEC) was formed in June 2020 as part of the internal restructuring of the prior Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF), which itself hailed from the inaugural Coastal Command. As a SAF-level task force operating close to shore within the littoral environment, the patrol vessels and littoral mission vessels interoperate with other governmental organisations such as the Police Coast Guard, port authority and immigration agencies. It also has a dedicated mine-countermeasure flotilla to sweep the straits for mines. Sea security teams conduct regular boarding operations onboard merchant vessels to check for contraband material and suspicious activities. The MSTF was unique in that it was supposed to report directly to the CDF in times of war, though it is unclear if the reformed MARSEC continues the practice.
The Naval Diving Unit is charged with "explosive ordnance disposal, underwater mine demolition and commando-type missions". Its personnel are considered among the elite forces of Singapore.
Logistics.
The Naval Logistics Command (NALCOM) is responsible for up-keeping and planning the maintenance schedules of ships and the equipping of supplies and assets. It also conducts weapons readiness checks on ships and works closely with the Defence Science and Technology Agency and ST Electronics.
Training.
As with the army and air force, all officers of the navy are trained and commissioned at the Officer Cadet School with their interservice counterparts. As midshipmen, part of their training involves being deployed four weeks at sea with the regular fleet to hone their skills in leadership, navigation and basic seamanship. Enlisted specialists and regular military experts (ratings) are instructed in their specialized domains at the Naval Military Experts Institute based at Changi Naval Base. The RSN has also partnered with ST Education and Training to operate the training ship STET "Polaris" since 2010. "Polaris" was specially constructed with a "dual bridge" to facilitate training requirements for two navigation teams to operate simultaneously and can carry 30 trainees and instructors; the ship was named after the North Star, which mariners had traditionally used as a navigational reference point in ancient times.
Enlistees to the Naval Diving Unit are selected based on their eyesight and medical fitness and trained at Frogman School located within Sembawang Camp. Trainees are required to pass a vocational assessment prior to beginning nine weeks of basic military training. Those who qualify then undergo the twenty weeks Combat Diver Course where they are taught dive theory and must qualify for drown proofing, pool competency and survival skills requirements.
Current fleet.
Frigates.
The "Formidable"-class multi-role stealth frigates entered service with the RSN in 2007 and are derivatives of the French Navy's "La Fayette"-class frigate. The frigates are key information nodes and fighting units, and are "by far the most advanced surface combatants in Southeast Asia" with a special surface-to-air missile configuration which combines the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missiles. Other armaments include Boeing Harpoon missiles and an OTO Melara 76 mm gun for surface defence.
Equipped with Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters, an international derivative of the Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk. These naval helicopters feature anti-surface and anti-submarine combat systems, extending the ship's own surveillance and over-the-horizon targeting and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The naval helicopters are part of the 123 squadron of the RSAF and piloted by air force pilots. Two more S-70B helicopters were ordered in February 2013.
The lead ship of the class, RSS "Formidable" was built overseas in Lorient, France and commissioned locally on 5 May 2007, marking the 40th anniversary of the RSN. The final two ships, RSS "Stalwart" and RSS "Supreme" were commissioned on 16 January 2009. The six frigates form the First Flotilla of the RSN.
Littoral mission vessels.
The "Independence"-class littoral mission vessel is a class of eight surface platforms succeeding the "Fearless"-class. In January 2013, the Ministry of Defence awarded ST Engineering a contract to build and design eight vessels. A subsidiary of the company, ST Marine was charged with building the ships at Benoi Yard and integrating the combat systems supplied by the group's electronics arm, ST Electronics. The class was designed with the "lean manning" concept to facilitate a smaller crew complement to reflect the declining birthrate in Singapore, with increased levels of automation and remote monitoring systems. This has resulted in its combat information center, machinery control room, and bridge being co-located in a single location known as the integrated command center. Its modularity also allows the ship to deploy unmanned and mine-countermeasure systems or be reconfigured to support disaster-relief operations. The ships have been sent on overseas deployments. The last three ships of the class were commissioned in January 2020.
The littoral mission vessels were formerly under 182 squadron until June 2020 with the inauguration of the Maritime Security Command. The eight "Independence"-class littoral mission vessels now form the Second Flotilla of the RSN.
Maritime security and response vessels.
The "Sentinel"-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV) are four refurbished "Fearless"-class patrol vessels. The refurbishment plan was announced in March 2020 in response to the increase of sea robberies within the region, and foreign intrusions of Singapore territorial waters. As part of the refit, non-lethal LRAD and laser warning systems were added to increase operational flexibility, while fenders were incorporated into the hull to enable quicker alongside operations of suspicious vessels. The forward part of the bridge was also reinforced with ballistic-resistant armour.
The first two vessels MSRV "Sentinel" and MSRV "Guardian" entered operational service on 26 January 2021. Other than the MSRVs, the flotilla will also operate two tugboats, and will operate new purpose-built vessels from 2026. The ships form the Maritime Security Response Flotilla of the RSN.
Landing ships tank.
The "Endurance"-class landing ships tank are the biggest class of ships in the RSN. They were designed and built locally by ST Marine to replace the old "County" class tank landing ships (LST). Each ship is fitted with a well dock that can accommodate four landing craft and a flight deck that can accommodate two medium lift helicopters. While the RSN describes the "Endurance"-class as LSTs, they lack the beaching capability traditionally associated with LSTs, and their well docks and flight decks qualify the "Endurance"-class more as amphibious transport docks.
The ships provide sea transportation for personnel and equipment for SAF's overseas training, as well as a training platform for RSN's midshipmen. RSS "Endurance" became the first RSN ship to circumnavigate the globe when it participated in the 2000 International Naval Review in New York City. The ships are also actively involved in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, notably in East Timor, the Persian Gulf, the tsunami-hit Indonesian province of Aceh and most recently, disappearance of Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501. The four ships form the Third Flotilla of the RSN.
Mine countermeasures vessels.
The RSN acquired mine countermeasure capabilities as early as 1975, when the USN's USS "Thrasher" and USS "Whippoorwill" were reactivated by the RSN's engineers and technicians in California. The "Redwing"-class coastal minesweepers were commissioned as RSS "Jupiter" and RSS "Mercury".
These two ships were eventually replaced by the "Bedok"-class mine countermeasures vessels. The first ship, RSS "Bedok", was built by Karlskronavarvet in Sweden based on the "Landsort"-class design. The remaining three ships were prefabricated in Sweden and transferred to Singapore for final assembly by ST Marine. The ships are constructed of glass reinforced plastic to maintain low magnetic and acoustic signatures, and are fitted with Voith Schneider Propellers, giving it the highest manoeuvrability in the navy. 
The RSN also operates the Protector unmanned surface vehicles. They were deployed together with the "Endurance"-class landing ships tank to the North Persian Gulf for peacekeeping operations in 2005, where they performed surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as force protection duties for more than eight hours at a go. 
Unmanned assets and the mine countermeasure ships form the Sixth Flotilla of the RSN.
Submarines.
"Challenger"-class.
In 1995, the RSN acquired a "Sjöormen"-class submarine from the Swedish Navy and rechristened it the "Challenger"-class. Another three were transferred in 1997, making them Singapore's first underwater platforms. As the submarines were designed for operations in the Baltic Sea, various modifications were required to suit them to tropical waters. A comprehensive tropicalisation refitting programme was implemented for all four submarines, which involved the installation of air conditioning, marine growth protection systems and corrosion-resistant piping.
It was believed that the "Challenger"-class were purchased to develop the required submarine operations expertise before selecting a modern class of submarines to replace them, since all the boats were then over 40 years old. RSS "Challenger" and RSS "Centurion" were retired from service in 2015.
"Archer"-class.
The "Archer"-class submarines were also former Swedish Navy combatants and known as the "Västergötland"-class. In November 2005, an agreement was signed with Kockums for the same tropicalisation modifications for two submarines. Amidst the refitting process, an air independent propulsion system was installed, which necessitated the cutting apart of the submarine's hull to fit new components. RSS "Archer" was relaunched on 16 June 2009 and recommissioned on 2 December 2011, with her sister boat RSS "Swordsman" being commissioned on 30 April 2013. The AIP modification enables the submarines to have longer submerged endurance and lower noise signature, enhancing its stealth capability. The advanced sonar system is capable of detecting contacts at a further distance, while the torpedo system has a better target acquisition capability, which allows the submarines to engage contacts at a further range.
An upgrade program was conducted between 2016 and early 2019, which involved the installation of CM010 optronic periscopes and new combat management, sonar and countermeasure systems.
"Invincible"-class.
The "Invincible"-class, also known as Type 218SG, is a submarine class ordered from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Two "Invincible"-class submarines were procured in November 2013 and another two in May 2017. Several German industry experts commented then that the project would cost about one billion Euros and take six years to complete, with the first submarine expected to be delivered in 2020.
The diesel electric submarines will have 50 per cent longer endurance, more firepower, more capable sensors and advanced automation than the existing fleet of RSN submarines. Armed with eight torpedo tubes and manned by a crew of 28, they can travel at a surface speed of more than 10 knots and a submerged speed of more than 15 knots. These submarines are particularly customized for Singapore's shallow and busy waters.
The first of four, RSS "Invincible", was launched on 18 February 2019. She will undergo sea trials in Germany before delivery in 2022. The second boat is also due in 2022, with the remaining two scheduled to follow by 2024. The "Invincible" and "Archer"-class submarines are projected to replace the "Challenger"-class afterwards.
All submarines, regardless of class, form the Seventh Flotilla of the RSN. The RSN also operates the submarine support and rescue vessel MV "Swift Rescue".
Corvettes.
In 1983, the RSN ordered six "Victory"-class corvettes from Friedrich Lürssen Werft of Germany, with the first being built in Germany and remaining five locally by ST Marine. The corvettes represented a strategic change in Singapore's defence posture as the Navy sought to redefine its purpose to be "more than a coastguard" and project power in the region for deterrence purposes; they were the first ships in the RSN to have an anti-submarine capability, and remain the fastest ships in the fleet with a speed in excess of 30 knots. A244-S torpedoes were reportedly acquired to counter the threat of an increased number of submarines passing through the Malacca Strait, with Soviet submarines having been tracked passing through entirely submerged. The first three ships were commissioned in August 1990 and the remaining three in May 1991.
The corvettes have been continuously upgraded to incorporate new technologies and better sea keeping capabilities. Two sets of 8-cell Barak I were installed in 1996 as part of a general refit. A life extension program between 2009–2013 redesigned the mast to incorporate new sensors, overhauled the combat management system, and added the ability for the ship to launch a single ScanEagle UAV for remote surveillance without the need to approach a target. The anti-submarine torpedoes and variable depth sonar detectors were removed during the refit. The six corvettes form the Eighth Flotilla of the RSN.
The "Victory"-class corvettes are projected to be replaced by six multi-role combat vessels by 2030, with the first ship to be delivered in 2025.
Historical fleet.
Missile gunboats.
The "Sea Wolf"-class missile gunboats were acquired in 1968 and based on the TNC 45 design from Fredrich Lürssen Werft. The first two gunboats - RSS "Sea Wolf" and RSS "Sea Lion" - were constructed in West Germany in 1972, while the remaining four were constructed locally by Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering, with all six ships being commissioned by 1976. The gunboats were initially equipped with Israeli-manufactured anti-ship Gabriel missiles and Bofors guns. "Sea Wolf" fired the first missile by the RSN in March 1972.
As new technology became available, a number of upgrading programmes were initiated to increase their strike capability and sophistication. Between 1986–1988, they were upgraded to launch Boeing Harpoon (SSM) surface-to-surface missiles, and in 1994, the Bofors gun was replaced with Mistral surface-to-air (SAM) missiles. The continuous upgrades to the gunboats' armaments and sensors made them regarded as being at the forefront of naval warfare technology between the 1980s and 1990s.
The gunboats engaged in numerous exercises with foreign navies and visited many port of calls throughout their lifespan. On 13 May 2008, all six gunboats were retired at a sunset decommissioning ceremony held at Changi Naval Base following 33 years of service.
Patrol vessels.
Between the 1970s and 1990s, the RSN operated "Independence"-class and "Swift"-class coastal patrol crafts. They were gradually replaced by the "Fearless"-class patrol vessels built locally by ST Marine to replace the aging coastal patrol crafts, with all ships in commission by August 1989. The first six vessels of the "Fearless"-class had been armed for anti-submarine warfare missions (APV) and placed under the Fleet as 189 squadron, with the remaining six (PV) being allocated to 182 squadron under the Coastal Command. RSS "Courageous" was badly damaged in a collision with a container ship in the Singapore Strait in January 2003 and removed from service.
189 squadron was subsequently transferred to the Coastal Command in January 2005, placing all eleven ships under the same formation; the APVs' anti-submarine suite was also gradually removed as the RSN refocused its ASW capability on other platforms. The eleven patrol vessels formed the combined 182/189 squadron until May 2016 when the first "Independence"-class littoral mission vessel completed its sea trials; 189 squadron was subsequently subsumed into 182 squadron.
On 11 December 2020, the final two patrol vessels RSS "Gallant" and RSS "Freedom" were decommissioned. Four vessels of the class will be converted into "Sentinel"-class maritime security and response vessels.
Bases.
Tuas Naval Base.
Tuas Naval Base (TNB) is located at the western tip of Singapore and occupies 0.28 km2 (0.11 mi2) of land. It was officially opened on 2 September 1994 by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. For about two decades, Brani Naval Base was the RSN's only base. An expansion of the fleet in the early 1980s meant that more space was needed for the fleet and its shore infrastructure. However, this was not possible as the land around Brani was reserved for use by the port authority to develop container facilities. As a result, Tuas was selected as the site for a new naval base.
Better utilisation of space at TNB resulted in two and a half times more berthing space than Brani, even though TNB only has a shoreline of 850 m (0.5 mi). Provision was also made for recreational facilities. Automation was incorporated into the design of TNB to reduce manpower requirements, such as mechanical ramps for the loading and unloading of vehicles and an automatic storage and retrieval system. It also has a floating dock which can lift 600 tonnes and transfer a ship from sea to land to facilitate repairs and maintenance.
The base has since been enclosed to the west by land reclamation in Tuas South. The missile corvettes, patrol vessels, littoral mission vessels and mine counter-measures vessels are based at TNB.
Changi Naval Base.
Changi Naval Base (CNB) is the latest naval facility of the RSN and was built to replace Brani Naval Base. Located on 1.28 km2 (0.50 mi2) of reclaimed land at the eastern tip of Singapore, it was officially opened on 21 May 2004 by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. Its 6.2 km (3.9 mi) berthing space can accommodate an aircraft carrier and is often used by visiting ships of the USN.
Automation was incorporated into the design of CNB to reduce manpower requirements. It has an automated underground ammunition depot that allows ammunition to be loaded onto the ships and an automated warehouse system to store items. The base has a fibre optic broadband network for information management. The base was also designed to be environment-friendly, with small-scale wind turbines powering the lights along the breakwaters at night. Conventional roof construction materials were substituted by thin film solar panels and the solar energy generated lights the base. In addition, seawater is used in the air-conditioning system.
The submarines, frigates and landing ships tank are based at CNB. Co-located in CNB is the Naval Military Experts Institute, also known as RSS "Panglima"—named in honour of the first ship of the navy.