Singapore Navy submarines. Singapore Navy

Nikolaev A.S. 2016

Singapore Navy submarines.

The date of birth of the Singapore Navy can be considered August 9, 1965, when Singapore gained independence from Malaysia, and along with its separation from Malaysia received 2 wooden ships (RSS “Panglima” and RSS “Singapura”), which became part of the Singapore Volunteer Forces. The Singapore Navy received official fleet status on April 1, 1975. They started talking about submarines in Singapore in the 90s of the last century. 09/23/1995 The Singapore government bought a submarine from Sweden HMS "Sjobjoornen".

type " Challenger"

Submarines of this type belong to the A-12 project ("Sjoormen" type), were built in 1965 - 1969 by the Navy shipyards in Karlskrona and "Kockums Mekaniska Verkstads" in Malmö ( HMS "Sjolejonet" (29.06.1967), HMS "Sjobjoornen" (09.01.1968), HMS Sjohunden (21.03.1968), HMS Sjohasten (06.08.1968), HMS "Sjoormen"(01/25/1967)). Initially, the Kockums design bureau developed the A-11 project (submarine with VND based on fuel cells). Great difficulties in creating such an engine forced the company’s specialists to reconsider the project in favor of a conventional diesel-electric power plant. The modified project A-11 B / 12 was completed in 1963, and the lead “Sjoormen” was laid down in 1965, it entered the fleet in 1967. Performance characteristics of the submarine 1130/1400 tons; 50.5 x 6.1 x 5.1 m; single-hull; working diving depth 150 m; diesels (Hedemora-Pielstick PV/12PAZ) 4 x 600 hp; electric generators 4 x 600 kW; e.d. (ASEA) 1 x 3000 hp; 4 AB; 1 shaft, 12/20 knots; one low-speed 5-blade large diameter propeller; crew 16 people (7 officers); autonomy 21 days. Armament: 4 - 533-mm bow TA (ammunition load of 12 torpedoes of type 613 or 16 mines instead of torpedoes), 2 - 400-mm bow TA (6 PLO torpedoes of types 422 and 431); The automatic system reloads all TAs in 30 seconds. REV: Ericsson automated control system IBS-A-17 (SESUB-90B), Therma radar, CSU-83 sonar system from Atlas Elektronik. ASBU provides simultaneous tracking of 50 targets, for 10 of them data for the use of weapons is automatically generated. The system simultaneously and independently controls the firing of 12 wired torpedoes. These boats were built to replace the hopelessly outdated and completely worn out Abboren class submarines. Swedish designers chose a fundamentally new (streamlined) hull shape and for the first time used an X-shaped arrangement of stern stabilizers and rudders, and the bow rudders were placed on the wheelhouse fence, shifted towards the bow. Watertight bulkheads divide the robust hull into 5 compartments. It has two tiers in height. Compartment 1: upper deck: CPU, crew living quarters, wardroom. On the lower deck there are TAs, spare torpedoes, and mechanisms for general ship systems. Compartment 2: at the top are part of the control posts, at the bottom is the AB group. Another AB group is located in the 3rd compartment, on its upper deck there are living quarters for non-commissioned officers. Compartments 4 and 5 are occupied by power plants, auxiliary mechanisms, control posts, and stern rudder drives. All five boats underwent modernization in 1984 - 1985. During it, a new BIUS and a new GAS were installed. In 1992 – 1994 to “Sjolejonet” and “Sjohunden” the GAS and BIUS were changed again.

PLH.M.S.« Sjobjornen » in the Sngapura Navy received the name RSS "Challenger", and all boats of this type in the Singapore Navy began to be referred to as “Challenger” type submarines. RSS “Challenger”, Having completed a major overhaul and re-equipment for service in the tropics in September 1997, was in Sweden for several years to train new crews arriving from Singapore (thanks to increased automation of control processes, after modernization the crew size was reduced to 11 people). In 1997, 3 more submarines of the same class were purchased from Sweden - RSS "Centurion"(former HMS "Sjolejonet"),RSS "Chieftain"(former HMS Sjohunden) And RSS "Conqueror"(former HMS "Sjoormen"), which during 1997 - 2003 also underwent major repairs and re-equipment. HMS Sjohasten was purchased for spare parts and was not part of the Singapore Navy.

RSS « Challenger"

HMS " Sjoormen" ( now - RSS "Centurion")

RSS "Chieftain"

RSS "Conqueror"

In 2005, the Singapore Navy acquired two submarines of the Swedish project A-17 of the Vastergotland type - RSS «Swordsman» (HMS Vastergotland, 11/27/1987) and RSS "Archer" (HMS Halsingland, October 20, 1988). Before being transferred to Singapore, both ships were retrofitted like the HMS Sodermanland - with the installation of Stirling engines ( air-independent propulsion system). The Singapore Navy began designating this type of submarine as the "Archer" class.

type " Archer"

PLThis type was intended for the Baltic Sea and is a further development of submarines of the “Shoormen” and “Nacken” types. They have a single-hull design. The CGB are located at the bow and stern ends. The PC is assembled from 4 sections using a modular principle. Living quarters (6 cabins) are located on the upper deck of the bow compartment. There is a rescue lock chamber, the outer hatch of which is equipped coaming platform for docking with a rescue bell or underwater rescue apparatus. The submarine has an X-shaped stern tail and horizontal bow rudders. The rudders do not protrude beyond the dimensions of the hull and do not create restrictions when mooring or laying the boat on the ground. The submarine control is automatic or manual using the SCC-200 system from SAAB. The operation of the power plant is controlled by the NDS-100 system. Compared to the submarine projects A-12 m A 14, the scope of measures to reduce the levels of physical fields of the submarine has been increased, incl. from detection by IR devices and gas analyzers. In November 1999, Kockums received a contract for 75 million. Doll, for the modernization of two submarines of the "Vastergotland" type - "Sodermanland" and "Ostergotland", providing, in particular, for the installation of auxiliary air-independent electric power plant "Stirling MKZ". TTX PL 1070/1143, 48.50-6-5.6, single-hull, operational diving depth 300m, endurance 45 days, crew 20 (5 officers), power plant - diesel engine with full electric propulsion,number x diesel generator power 2 x 760 kW, 2 x 1080 ("Hedemora Pielstick" V12A/15-UD VA-185). Full speed surface (11 knots), underwater (20 knots), number x caliber TA 6 x 533 and 3 x 400, ammunition ammo 12 (533) and 6 (400), number of mines accepted instead of torpedoes - 12, number of mounted mine containers x number min -2 x 24. Type ASBU "Ericsson IPS-17TFCS" (SESUB 900 A), type GAK - "STN - Atlas Electronic" CSU-83.

RSS "Swordsman"

RSS Archer

In December 2013, Singapore contracted with the German concern ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for two non-nuclear submarines of the new German project 218SG, the delivery of which to the customer is scheduled for 2020. In 2015, the French newsletter TTU, citing the Swedish press, reported that Singapore was to purchase two more non-nuclear submarines through a tender within the next two years. The new non-nuclear submarines are expected to replace four Challenger-class non-nuclear submarines in the Singapore Navy.

Diagram of the design of a promising German non-nuclear submarine of Project 216, which, it is believed, could form the basis of Project 218SG

Armed forces of the world

Singapore Air Force

Singapore is a unique city-island-state. It has a microscopic territory and a small population, while having a very powerful economy and armed forces. In terms of the degree of militarization in terms of territory and population, Singapore apparently surpasses even Israel. As in Israel, the country has a law on universal conscription, excluding any deferments and alternative service options and implying annual two-week military training until the age of 40. At the same time, the boy receives his first symbolic summons to the recruiting station immediately after birth, along with his birth certificate.

Some equipment (especially aviation) does not fit in the country and is constantly deployed abroad. The country receives most of its equipment from the USA, Great Britain and Israel, and its own military-industrial complex is rapidly developing. Although 75% of the country's population is ethnic Chinese, Singapore has no military ties with China.

Ground troops include 5 divisions - 3rd (it includes the 8th armored, 3rd, 5th, 24th, 30th infantry brigades), 6th (54th armored, 2nd, 9 -I, 76th Infantry Brigade), 9th (56th Armored, 10th, 12th Infantry Brigades), 21st (7th, 13th, 15th Infantry Brigades), 25 -th reserve (11th, 14th, 63rd, 65th infantry brigades). There are also 6 infantry brigades (21st, 22nd, 26th, 27th, 29th, 32nd), an MTR group and a Gurkha regiment (formally registered with the police), and a number of auxiliary units.

The basis of the tank fleet is 152 German Leopard-2A4 (another 30 similar tanks are used as a source of spare parts), some of which are located in Germany and are used for training Singaporean crews, as well as 25 of the newest Leopard-2A7. 340 obsolete light French AMX-13SM1 tanks remain in service. From 24 to 100 very old British Centurion tanks are in storage.

There are 44 French AMX-10R infantry fighting vehicles, of which half (22) are in the AMX-10PAC90 BRM variant. Also in service are 500 locally produced infantry fighting vehicles - 300 IFV-25 Bionix, 200 Bionix-2. Armored personnel carriers - 945 American М113А1/2 (of which at least 50 with a 25-mm cannon), 50 V-200 (another 200 in storage), 15 MaxxPro Dash, 730 local Broncos and450 AV-81 Terrex (including 135 with 25 mm cannon), 60 French Sherpa, 122 South African Marauder; 40 American V-150 and 30 V-100, up to 300 Swedish Bv206 are in storage.

The ground forces are armed only with artillery of their own production. These are 54 self-propelled guns SSPH-1 "Primus" (155 mm), 124 towed guns - 18 FH-2000, 54 "Pegasus", 52 FH-88 (155 mm). There are 121 towed guns in storage - 22 British LG1 (105 mm), 45 Israeli M-68 and 38 M-71, 16 American M114A1 (155 mm). Mortars - 500 (81 mm) and 90 self-propelled (40 on the Bronco, 50 on the M113) (120 mm); 50 Israeli M-65 (120 mm) and 12 Finnish M-58 Tampella (160 mm) are in storage. There are 18 of the latest American HIMARS MLRS (227 mm).

It is armed with 30 old French Milan ATGMs and 30 newest Israeli Spike missiles.

Air Force Singapore has up to 100 American 4th generation fighters - 40 F-15SG, 60 F-16 (20 C, 40 D). As was said at the beginning of the article, these aircraft do not fit in Singapore and are therefore based in the USA. 41 old American F-5 fighters remain in service (32 S, 9 combat trainers T; 7 RF-5S reconnaissance aircraft have been withdrawn from the Air Force and are put up for sale). There are up to 62 even older A-4SU attack aircraft in storage (including up to 21 combat training TA-4SU). The attack aircraft are based in France and are used as training aircraft. Only F-5s that have undergone major modernization in this country are stationed in Singapore.

There are 5 Dutch basic patrol aircraft "Fokker-50", 4 American AWACS aircraft "Gulfstream" G550 (2 old E-2C in storage), 9 American tankers (4 KC-135R, 5 KS-130 (4 V, 1 N )), 9 transport aircraft (5 C-130N, 4 Fokker-50), 33 training aircraft (19 Swiss RS-21, 2 New Zealand ST/4E, 12 newest Italian T-346). RS-21 are stationed in Australia, T-346 in France.

In service are 19 American AH-64D Apache combat helicopters (1 more in storage) and 8 S-70B anti-submarine helicopters, as well as about 50 transport helicopters - 15 American CH-47 Chinook (5 D, 10 SD; more 1 D in storage), up to 19 French AS332M and 13 AS532UL (up to 8 AS550 and up to 2 AS350 in storage for sale). “Apaches” and some “Chinooks” are stationed in the USA, French helicopters are in Australia. 5 European EC120B helicopters are used as training helicopters.

Ground-based air defense includes 2 batteries of the American Advanced Hawk air defense system (12 PU) and 2 batteries of the latest French SAMP/T air defense system, 24 short-range air defense systems (12 Israeli Spiders, 12 British Rapiers), 555 MANPADS (500 French Mistral ", 30 Russian "Igla" (in the self-propelled version - 6 launchers per 5 M113 armored personnel carriers), 25 Swedish RBS-70), 58 Swiss anti-aircraft guns - 34 GDF-001, 24 GDF-002 (35 mm).

Navy consist of 2 Archer-class submarines (Swedish Västergötland) and 2 Challenger-class submarines (Swedish Sjoormen; another 2 similar submarines are in storage), 6 Formidable-class frigates (French Lafayette class) , 6 Victory-class missile corvettes (German project), 5 Independence-class patrol ships (3 more will be built), 5 own Fireless-class patrol boats (6 more in storage; up to 100 small patrol boats are available in the Coast Guard ), 4 minesweepers of the Bedok type (Swedish project), 4 DTD of the Endurance type of our own project. The submarines were transferred to Singapore from the Swedish Navy, all surface ships and boats were built in Singapore itself.

FOREIGN MILITARY REVIEW No. 12/2007, pp. 58-66

Captain 2nd rank P. SIDOROV

The Republic of Singapore is a small island country located in the southern part of the Strait of Malacca, connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans. It has existed as an independent state since 1965. The population is 4.4 million people. In the north the republic borders with Malaysia, in the south with Indonesia.

Despite the fact that the area of its territory is only 247 sq. miles, and the length of the coastline is 104 miles, this state plays a significant role in both the global economy and politics. Thanks to its geographical location, Singapore has become a crossing point for sea routes from Europe to the Far East, from Japan, China, the Philippines to Australia and the countries of South and Southeast Asia (a total of about 250 shipping routes that cover and connect more than 600 sea ports along all over the world).

The port of Singapore is one of the largest in the world: in terms of cargo turnover and technical equipment, it ranks fourth after the ports of Rotterdam, New York and Yokohama. More than 100 ships gather at its outer roadstead at the same time, and every 15 minutes another ship moored or set sail. Every year the seaport receives up to 40 thousand ships from all over the world. In addition, the most important transcontinental airlines pass through Singapore, and its international airport serves more than 3 million passengers annually. All this has contributed to the country becoming one of the leading shopping centers in the world.

Singapore is an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was created in August 1967 and is currently considered one of the most successful organizations in the world, forming a security center not only on a regional, but also on a global scale.

According to the views of the military-political leadership (MP) of the Republic of Singapore, the national naval forces are the main instrument for ensuring the country's security and unimpeded access to lines of sea communications in the region. The primary tasks of the Singapore Navy are to protect the country's territory from threats from the sea and protect sea communications. In solving these problems, in addition to independently patrolling and monitoring the situation in the Singapore Strait, the country's Navy works closely with other national departments, such as the Police Coast Guard and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Such cooperation makes it possible to implement a set of comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of ships passing through territorial waters, especially in the face of growing terrorist threats (mainly from maritime piracy taking place in the Strait of Malacca). Measures are also being taken to improve the safety of both foreign and domestic ships based here.

Republic of Singapore Navy They were formed as an independent branch of the armed forces in 1975. Organizationally, they include the headquarters, the fleet, three commands: coastal defense, logistics and training, as well as a unit of combat divers as the maritime component of the special operations forces (MTR) of Singapore. General command of the forces is exercised by the commander of the Navy (rear admiral). According to foreign information sources, the number of Navy personnel at the beginning of 2007 reached 4,500 people (of which about 1,900 were conscripts, the rest were contract soldiers), and there were up to 5,000 people in the reserve.

Organizational structure of the Republic of Singapore Navy

Naval Headquarters, located at Tuas Naval Base, it consists of five directorates: operations, intelligence, planning, logistics and personnel. The headquarters is headed by a chief with the rank of rear admiral.

Fleet together with the coastal defense command divisions, it has 35 warships (four submarines, two URO frigates, six missile corvettes, four minesweepers, 11 patrol boats and eight landing ships), as well as at least 170 boats of various classes, including missile boats (six), patrol boats (12), landing (at least 55 in service with a displacement of 4-18 tons, about 75 in reserve), special purpose, providing combat swimmers (16). In addition, there are up to 450 assault (river) boats.

Organizationally, the fleet includes: a submarine division, the 1st and 3rd flotillas of surface ships and boats. Divisions of mine-sweeping ships, patrol ships and boats are assigned to the coastal defense command. The leadership of the fleet forces is entrusted to the fleet commander (rear admiral).

Included 171st Submarine Division There are four submarines of the Challenger type (Sjoormen, Project A 12) built in Sweden (Kokkums shipyard) in 1968-1969. Two of them - Conqueror and Chieftain - were transferred to Singapore after modernization in 2000 and 2001, the other two - Challenger and Centurion - remained in Sweden to train Singaporean crews until the beginning of 2004 and were transferred to the fleet by the middle of that year. All boats, including the fifth, Sjohustle, which was also transferred to Singapore (for spare parts), are based at Changi Naval Base.

1st Flotilla includes two divisions of surface ships: the 188th, which has six Victory-class missile corvettes (according to the national classification), and the 185th, which has six Sea Wolf-class missile boats.

Location of naval bases, flag and coat of arms of the Singapore Navy

In 2006, the 185th Division also included the guided missile frigate Fore-Middle (the lead in a series of six under construction; the second ship of this type, Intrepid, was transferred to the fleet in 2007, but has not yet reached full combat readiness) . All ships of the flotilla, equipped with the latest weapons, combat control, surveillance and communications systems, are considered the main striking force of the national naval forces. They can solve a wide range of tasks in naval theaters, including combating air and surface targets, as well as enemy submarines. By 2009, when all the Formidable-class frigates are scheduled to enter service, the obsolete Sea Wolf-class missiles will be withdrawn from service. As a result, the flotilla's combat capabilities will increase significantly. The headquarters and ships of the flotilla are based at Changi Naval Base.

Part 3rd flotilla includes the 191st division of landing ships (three or four Endurance-class landing ships and four RPL-class small landing ships of the LCU class), as well as a division of special-purpose fast boats.

Naval Aviation represented by S-70B Seahawk helicopters (six), as well as Fokker F50 ME2 base patrol aircraft (five from 121 air force) and E-2C Hawkeye AWACS (four, 111 air force), which are assigned to the Air Force , but have consolidated crews staffed by Air Force and Navy flight personnel. In addition, transport and search and rescue helicopters CH-47SD (12, 127 ae) and AS335 “Super Puma” (22, 125 ae) are used in the interests of the Navy.

Squad of combat swimmers and divers is the maritime component of the Singapore MTR (along with the land and police components). Responsible for conducting special operations against underwater sabotage forces and enemy assets, and also searches for and neutralizes mines. The detachment's headquarters and units are based at Sembawang naval base. Delivery of reconnaissance and sabotage groups of combat swimmers and divers-sappers to the place of execution of tasks is carried out by high-speed boats of the HSIC type (High Speed Infiltration Craft) and diving boats. The Navy has six HSIC boats and 10 diving boats. They have 40-mm grenade launchers, 12.7- and 7.62-mm machine guns as weapons and are organizationally consolidated into a division of the 3rd Fleet Flotilla. Currently, rigid inflatable boats of the RHIB type (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) have begun to enter service with the detachment.

URO frigate "Intrepid"

Coastal Defense Command includes the 194th division of mine-sweeping ships consisting of four Bedok-class minesweepers, two divisions (182- and 189th) of patrol ships consisting of six and five Fearless-class PCs, respectively, and a division of patrol boats (12 RV class PKA). The tasks of the command include ensuring the protection of the territorial waters of the state, as well as the two main naval bases of Singapore - Tuas and Changi, conducting search and rescue and patrol operations in the Singapore Strait area in cooperation with the coast guard police and customs service. Since 1993, in accordance with a bilateral agreement, the navies of Singapore and Indonesia regularly carry out joint patrols in the waters of this strait. All ships and boats of the command are based in the Tuas naval base. The command is also in charge of coastal radar stations (five) for monitoring the air and surface situation, data from which is automatically transmitted to the naval headquarters. They are located in the Changi Naval Base area and at Pedra Branca, St. John's Island, Sultan Shoal Lighthouse and Raffles Lighthouse.

Maritime Police Service BOHR is centrally subordinated to the country's police department and has over 1,000 personnel. It is armed with up to 90 patrol boats of various displacements (from 18 to 46 tons), most of which were previously in service with the country's Navy. In addition, the service has a significant number of small harbor boats and inflatable boats (in particular, four types of RHIB). Its tasks include combating piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and patrolling a three-mile zone of territorial waters. Two divisions of boats (coast guard and special purpose) are a naval reserve (in case of war). All maritime police patrol boats are armed with 20- and 25-mm ZAU, as well as 12.7- and 7.62-mm machine guns. 10 PKAs with a displacement of 140 tons and a cruising range of up to 900 miles (at a speed of 15 knots) are being built especially for the BCHR police. These boats should enter service in 2008-2010.

Home Front Command formed in 1986, is intended to provide all types of logistical and logistical support for the Navy. Organizationally, it includes naval bases Tuas, Changi and Sembawang, each of which has a security company, repair facilities with their own warehouses, medical and computer centers, and other logistics services. Ship repairs and subsequent maintenance are carried out mainly at Tuas and Changi naval bases. Subordinate to the rear command are also units that deal with transportation and cargo handling in the port. The Logistics Command, together with the Naval Logistics Command, maintains close ties with both national research industries, such as the Singapore Technologies Engineering Group, and some defense organizations, such as the Defense Research Agency. The main goal of this cooperation is to improve the quality of the Navy’s logistics and involve new technologies in the process of maintenance and repair of ships and ship equipment.

Training Command is responsible for training and advanced training of all categories of naval personnel, and it also provides all forms of combat and operational training to naval units and units. Subordinate to the command are two educational institutions in which military personnel of the country's Navy are trained - the naval academy (The Institute of Maritime Warfare) and the naval college (The Institute of Maritime Operations and Systems). When training officers at the Naval Academy, simulators and computer simulators are widely used to train combat crews in the tactical techniques and skills necessary in modern combat. The Naval War College provides basic naval training, including basic military training, specialty training, and ship damage control training.

Every year, the best officers and non-commissioned officers are sent to command and staff courses and other special courses, including abroad (in particular, to the USA and India). Representatives of the Navy regularly take part in international naval symposiums, seminars and conferences. The auxiliary landing ship Sir Lancelot, purchased from Great Britain in 1992, is used as a training ship.

Operational and combat training of the Navy conducted at the tactical training centers in Tuas and Changi naval bases. The personnel of units, divisions and command and control bodies of the national naval forces are mainly prepared to carry out assigned tasks and are capable of operating modern weapons and military equipment. The fleet is maintained in readiness for various operations in both peace and war.

As a representative of the international community, Singapore takes part in a series of so-called non-military operations (Operations other than War), including peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and others.

In the field of military cooperation, the leadership of the Republic Navy pays close attention to establishing bilateral relations and military-technical cooperation with its main ally in the region - the United States. Each year, the Navy participates in joint exercises with the U.S. Navy as part of a “bilateral training and maritime security cooperation plan” aimed, in particular, at increasing combat effectiveness during joint anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and rescue operations. Singapore regularly makes its naval logistics facilities available to support US ships and submarines present in the region.

Joint exercises are also periodically conducted with the navies of Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei and the United States as part of the CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training) program, aimed at increasing combat readiness and training the interaction of surface forces of the fleets in the field of combat training. This type of maneuver has been conducted in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, off the coasts of these ASEAN member countries, annually since 1995.

As part of the Asia-Pacific Naval Forum, Singapore makes its naval facilities and territorial waters available for multinational demonstration exercises as part of its annual International Naval Equipment Exhibition (IMDEX). The last such maneuvers took place from May 15 to May 20, 2007 at Changi Naval Base. They were attended by ships from the US Navy, China, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and the Republic of Korea, which jointly practiced tasks such as countering threats from maritime terrorism, overcoming minefields, and conducting search and rescue operations at sea. etc.

Since its formation, the Singapore Navy (essentially being a coast guard force at that time) has developed at a rapid pace, which allowed it to effectively carry out the main tasks of defending maritime borders, protecting sea lines of communication and coastal waters. Subsequently, it was possible to create a fleet that was sufficiently balanced in composition and combat capabilities, capable of solving a wide range of tasks - from countering traditional military threats to combating so-called asymmetric threats and ensuring maritime security, both in the region and beyond.

The main direction of the construction of the Navy Singapore is implementing a program to create a 3rd generation naval force, which, according to the calculations of the fleet command, has greater capabilities for solving operational and tactical tasks. It is expected that the level of interaction between the armed forces will be significantly increased, including in terms of information support, which will allow them to properly respond to changes in the military-political situation.

According to this program, strengthening the combat capabilities of the national Navy and transforming them into modern, effective and maneuverable forces is planned to be achieved as a result of the implementation of a number of promising programs.

Submarine procurement program. IN In November 2005, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Singapore, together with the Swedish side, signed a contract for the transfer to the country's Navy of two Westergotland-class submarines (Project A 17) built in 1987-1988. The tactical and technical characteristics of the new submarines (see reference data) significantly exceed those currently available to Singapore, which will allow the country's submarine forces to reach a new level of technical equipment and combat capabilities. The crew members of these submarines will undergo training in Sweden. The boats will be specially improved by the Swedish side for operations in tropical waters. They will be equipped with an air-independent engine (Sterling Mk III AIP from Kokums) and equipped with a docking chamber for MTR combat swimmers. By 2010, these boats are expected to replace two obsolete Challenger-class boats.

Frigate construction program includes the purchase in France of six Formidable-class frigates (modified Lafayette, Delta project) with a displacement of up to 3,200 tons. The lead ship was transferred to the Singaporean side in 2005, construction of the second was completed (in 2007), and the rest are ongoing at the national shipyard Singapore Technologies. The transfer of the last of them to the fleet is scheduled for 2009. The program, launched in 2004, is aimed at equipping the country's Navy with modern frigates that meet all the latest trends in shipbuilding. The ships of this project are equipped with launchers for the Harpoon anti-ship missile system (8 anti-ship missiles), four eight-cell air defense launchers of the Silver A43 air defense missile system (32 Aster-15 missile defense systems), equipped with a platform for the S-70B Seahawk naval aviation helicopter, as well as modern radio-electronic systems means. The frigate's combat radius is a 200-km zone, within which it is capable of combating surface and air targets and effectively detecting and destroying enemy submarines from long distances. Thanks to the use of stealth technology, it has low visibility and increased survivability. Ships of this class will form the main striking force of the modernized Navy and will be included in the latest integrated knowledge-based Command and Control (IKC2) system of the Singapore Armed Forces.

Naval aviation helicopter procurement program. In January 2005, the Singapore Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the American company Sikorsky Aircraft for the purchase of six S-70B naval aviation helicopters for the Formidable-class frigates under construction. They are expected to be transferred between 2008 and 2010. These vehicles are equipped with modern weapons systems that allow them to effectively fight both surface ships and submarines of potential enemies before they reach weapon range and can be used for search and rescue purposes and operations to evacuate the wounded or victims of natural disasters.

Further improvement of the fleet's amphibious capabilities will be achieved by modernizing four Endurance-class tank landing ships built in 2000-2001 at the Singapore Technologies Marine shipyard. Improvements will include increasing the size of the deck and dock to accommodate and effectively employ helicopters and landing craft. Ships of this type can also be used as headquarters ships during exercises. It is also planned to purchase promising hovercraft of the Tiger-40 type (testing of the first such vessel, AVH-1, has been ongoing since 2005).

It should be noted that the tank landing ships of the Singapore Navy were used to provide humanitarian assistance to Indonesia, which suffered from the devastating tsunami in December 2004. During that operation, they were used to supply food, equipment and machinery to areas where airports and road networks were destroyed as a result of a natural disaster. These ships were also used for logistical supply of Singapore Armed Forces personnel stationed in Indonesia, as well as as landing platforms for helicopters engaged in humanitarian aid operations and rescuing tsunami victims. The Resolution TDK was sent to the Persian Gulf in 2004-2005 to support the combat operations of coalition forces in Iraq. In particular, tests were carried out from it of the autonomously controlled surface vehicle "Protector" (two such devices - USV - were purchased in Israel from the Rafael company).

In the field military-technical cooperation In addition to the purchase of military equipment and weapons, it is planned to further strengthen and develop bilateral relations with the United States and other states (for example, India) through training programs for naval personnel, mutual exchange of students from military educational institutions, as well as joint exercises. This year, it was planned, in particular, for Singapore to participate in the multinational naval exercise SIMBEX-2007, held annually with the Indian Navy.

Thus, the military-political leadership of the Republic of Singapore is clearly aware of the importance of having a modern and effective naval force, which, in the current international situation, is and will remain in the future the main means of ensuring the country’s security. The modernization program of the national naval forces currently being implemented is aimed at qualitatively increasing their combat capabilities, which will allow them to occupy a worthy place among the fleets of the countries of the region in the future.

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After becoming independent in 1965, the former British colony managed to make the leap from a third world country to a highly developed state with a high standard of living. The most developed industry is shipbuilding. At the time of independence, poverty-stricken Singapore had only two wooden patrol ships, which became part of the Singapore Volunteer Force. Today, the Singapore Navy is considered one of the best in the region.

The Singapore Navy received official status on April 1, 1975. Their main task is protection from attack from the sea and protection of trade sea routes in the waters of the Singapore Strait. Singapore is part of a military alliance with Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the UK.

Frigates and corvettes

The most modern ships of the Singapore Navy are six frigates of the Formidable class (a modification of the La Fayette frigates). These are the most high-tech warships in Southeast Asia and can serve as a ship-to-ship communications center. The 185th squadron is formed.

The Singapore Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the development and construction of six frigates with the French company DCNS in March 2000. The key point of the contract is technology transfer. The first frigate was built in France, the remaining five were built in Singapore. Further maintenance and upgrades are provided by Singapore-based ST Marine (STM).

The main feature of the frigate's hull design is design measures to reduce the effective scattering surface. They include inclined surfaces of the sides, bulwarks and superstructures, some of the equipment is hidden in the hull, composite materials and special radio-absorbing coatings are widely used. Compared to the prototype, the frigates demonstrate better seaworthiness and greater autonomy, as well as reduced radar signature.

The frigates are designed as nodes of the integrated command and control network of the Singapore Armed Forces, built on a principle similar to American network-centric systems. The main components of the network are the combat information control system (CIUS) developed in Singapore and a dual data transmission system based on the Fast Ethernet protocol (a general name for a set of data transmission standards in computer networks using Ethernet technology with speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s, unlike the original 10 Mbit/s).

Each frigate has a zone of responsibility with a radius of 360 kilometers. Acting as a mobile operations center, it receives information from similar ships and airborne objects within its reach. The combat management system integrates all available information, creating a complete picture of the combat zone and transmitting it to shore operators and other participants in the operation. The expansion of the controlled space and the minimum reaction time to the threat does not leave the enemy time to respond.

A special feature of the construction of a series of these warships is the integration carried out by Singaporean specialists into a single combat complex of weapon systems produced in different countries: the Harpoon anti-ship missile and the ALOFTS sonar system (USA), the Aster anti-aircraft missile system and the Herakles radar station (France), 76-mm gun mount Oto Melara (Italy), electron-optical SUAO (Germany). The ship is adapted to host a Seahawk helicopter.

In 1983, Singapore ordered six Victory-class corvettes based on the German MGB 62 project. The first was built by the German Lurssen Werft, the rest were built in Singapore at the ST Marine shipyard. They became part of the Navy in 1990–1991. They have anti-submarine weapons and form the 188th Squadron, part of the First Flotilla.

In 1996, the corvettes were equipped with Barak I missile launchers, as well as additional electronic weapons. In 2011, the replacement of the Sea Giraffe 150HC radar with the Sea Giraffe AMB began. In 2012, as part of the service life extension program, the ships underwent modernization, the main points of which were the installation of new control systems, electronic weapons and ScanEagle UAVs.

The Fearless class corvettes were designed and built at the Singapore shipyard ST Marine. Entered service in 1996–1998. The first five ships form the 189th squadron, the remaining six - the 182nd. The hull is made of steel, the superstructure is made of light alloy. The design allows the installation of additional equipment, radar and weapons. The first six ships are armed with anti-submarine torpedoes. On some, instead of 25-mm guns, air defense systems are installed in the form of a Simbad air defense system on the stern. Kamewa water jet propulsion ensures high maneuverability.

In total, the Singapore Navy has eleven corvettes of this type. Initially there were twelve of them, but in 2003, the anti-submarine corvette RSS Courageous (ships and vessels of the Singapore Navy have the RSS prefix from the English Republic of Singapore Ship - Ship of the Republic of Singapore) collided with a merchant ship, received significant damage and was withdrawn from the fleet. To enhance readiness, each ship has a backup crew. RSS Unity is used as a test bed for new technologies.

On January 30, 2013, the Singapore Ministry of Defense awarded a contract to ST Marine for the construction of eight new ships to replace the Fearless-class corvettes. Delivery of the first is planned for 2015–2016. A total of eight ships are expected to be delivered by 2020. According to some estimates, the value of the contract could reach up to two billion US dollars.

In 2012, the Sultanate of Oman awarded a contract to ST Engineering to build four ships based on the Fearless design. The length of the new ship (Al-Ofouq type) is 75 meters, the contract amount is about 535 million euros. The propulsion will be propellers, not water cannons. Also, thanks to the length increased by 20 meters, these ships will carry a helicopter in addition to the UAV.

Landing ships, minesweepers and submarines

The largest ships of the Singapore Navy are the amphibious transport Endurance. Plans for their creation were first announced in 1996, when the need arose to replace the old County-class landing ships (LST), received from the United States in the 70s. The 191st squadron is formed.

The design of the new ships was an important milestone in the history of Singaporean shipbuilding due to the scale of the project. Construction was carried out at the ST Marine shipyard. In 2000–2001, Endurance-class ships were introduced into the fleet.

They have a docking chamber for four landing craft, as well as a flight deck with the ability to accommodate two helicopters. The integrated ASIST system allows the helicopter to land and move without the presence of personnel on the flight deck.

On board the RSS Resolution are two Protector unmanned boats manufactured by the Israeli company Rafael. They are made on the basis of a rigid-hull inflatable boat, have a superstructure made of composite materials, several video cameras and a gyro-stabilized inertial navigation system. The boat is also equipped with an automatic audio system, microphones and a loudspeaker.

On November 11, 2008, a contract worth 200 million Singapore dollars was signed for the supply of one Endurance class ship to Thailand. In 2011, this ship, named HTMS Angthong, was launched and a year later handed over to the customer.

At the end of 2010, ST Marine announced a new project for the Endurance 160 landing ship with a displacement of more than 14,000 tons with a full-size flight deck. It is planned that its crew will be twice as large as the existing Endurance, plus 150 pilots and technical personnel. The ship will also acquire the capabilities of a hospital ship, for which it is equipped with a spacious infirmary and the necessary medical equipment.

The construction of such a ship will take the Singapore Navy to a whole new level. A full-size flight deck with the possibility of installing a ski-jump will allow it to accommodate not only helicopters, but also SUVs. Japan has experience in building ships of this class, which are formally amphibious helicopter carriers, but in fact light aircraft carriers (Hyuga type).

At the end of 1995, the Singapore fleet included four Bedok-class minesweepers, which form the 194th squadron. Experts estimate that in the event of a real mine threat that would result in the shutdown of Singapore's commercial port, the damage would be approximately US$1.2 billion per day. Thus, these ships play an important role in the security of Singapore's economy.

The lead ship Bedok was built at the Swedish shipyard Karlskonavarvet (now Kockums) according to the Landsort design. The remaining units were built in Sweden and assembled in Singapore at ST Marine.

The ships are constructed from reinforced fiberglass, which provides a low magnetic signature. The bridge equipment, engines and main systems are mounted on shock absorbers.

Each ship is equipped with Voith-Schneider propellers, which provide them with good controllability and maneuverability.

In November 2008, a modernization program for Bedok-class ships was announced. The tender was won by Thales, which in May 2009 announced that the Singapore Defense Science and Technology Agency had awarded it a contract to implement the Bedok ship life extension program. Two of the four were planned to be completely modernized, the rest partially.

Thales will install an integrated mine action system with an information system for mine weapons, a hull-mounted and towed sonar, and self-propelled mine finder-destroyer vehicles. Thales is also responsible for making design changes to accommodate the new equipment.

The Singapore Navy operates five submarines: three Challenger (Sjoorman) and two Archer (Vastergotland) types, built by the Swedish shipyard Kockums.

Challenger-class submarines were built in the late 60s in Sweden. At one time they were considered one of the most advanced non-nuclear submarines. Initially intended for operations in the Baltic Sea. In the early 90s they were withdrawn from the Swedish fleet. In Singapore, they were “tropicalized” for use in warm waters. The air conditioning and protection systems against fouling of the hull by marine organisms were modernized, and a more corrosion-resistant pipeline system was installed. In addition, new periscopes were installed. By 2004, three boats became part of the Singapore Navy. One Challenger-class submarine - the RSS Challenger itself - was not introduced into the fleet and is used as a training ship. The boats are now over 40 years old.

The Archer-class submarine was built in the early 80s. A total of four boats of this type were made in Sweden. The first two submarines of the series were sold to Singapore in November 2005. Upon transfer, they underwent an upgrade procedure for use in tropical waters. Equipped with an air-independent main power plant.

High shipbuilding potential

The existence of Singapore's powerful shipbuilding potential, actively operating not only in the domestic market, but also for export, allows us to speak of the relative industrial independence of the state in this industry.

Singapore is the only country in the world whose ship register includes an ekranoplan of its own construction (Airfish-8).

The construction of warships is carried out by the state-owned company ST Marine. The production capacity of STM's two main shipyards, located in the Jurong and Tuaz regions, allows the construction of frigate-class warships, as well as merchant ships with a tonnage of up to 70 thousand tons. During the period from 2007 to 2010, a number of contracts were concluded for the construction of cargo, passenger and special ships for the world's leading transport companies.

The Singaporean-Australian enterprise Asia-Pac Geraldton Ltd is building high-speed patrol boats for the Navy and police coast guard services.

The private Singaporean-British company Wasper Private Ltd is also involved in the production of naval equipment, which builds Waspada-class missile boats for the Singapore Navy and foreign customers, in particular for Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Oman.

In 2004, Singapore acquired the American subsidiary VT Halter Marine, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. Thanks to the efforts of Singaporean management, the shipyard has been returned to the category of profitability and is currently fulfilling a number of long-term orders from the American military department. In addition, for the period from 2008 to 2012, an agreement was concluded with the Egyptian Navy to build a series of missile boats worth more than 640 million US dollars.

Among the large foreign orders, it is necessary to highlight the construction of landing ships for the navies of India, Thailand, Kuwait and Brunei, as well as patrol boats for the Indian coast guard. According to current intergovernmental agreements, warships from the United States and Thailand are also repaired at STM shipyards.

In general, the Singapore Navy is a technologically advanced component of the armed forces, capable of carrying out current tasks to ensure the country's security, and military allies such as the United States and Israel make it a very serious player in the region.

The state's shipbuilding industry is able to independently meet the needs of the Navy.

All ships in the fleet are very modern or have recently undergone a modernization or service life extension program. However, the absence of light strike forces and the weak component of the submarine forces are noteworthy.

The Jane's Fighting Ships 2013–2014 directory indicates that there are no missile boats in the fleet. At the same time, they are successfully built (under license) for export, so with a high degree of probability it can be assumed that the Singapore industry will meet the needs of the fleet in this sector.

As for submarines, we should expect new purchases abroad in the near future (to replace Challenger-type submarines) with a gradual orientation of the national industry in this direction.

After becoming independent in 1965, the former British colony managed to make the leap from a third world country to a highly developed state with a high standard of living. The most developed industry is shipbuilding. At the time of independence, poverty-stricken Singapore had only two wooden patrol ships, which became part of the Singapore Volunteer Force. Today, the Singapore Navy is considered one of the best in the region.

Frigates and corvettes

The most modern ships of the Singapore Navy are six Formidable-class frigates(modification of the frigates La Fayette). These are the most high-tech warships in Southeast Asia and can serve as a ship-to-ship communications center. The 185th squadron is formed.

Each frigate has a zone of responsibility with a radius of 360 kilometers. Acting as a mobile operations center, it receives information from similar ships and airborne objects within its reach. The combat management system integrates all available information, creating a complete picture of the combat zone and transmitting it to shore operators and other participants in the operation. The expansion of the controlled space and the minimum reaction time to the threat does not leave the enemy time to respond.

A special feature of the construction of a series of these warships is the integration of weapon systems produced in different countries into a single combat complex carried out by Singaporean specialists:
— Harpoon anti-ship missile and ALOFTS sonar system (USA);
— Aster anti-aircraft missile system and Herakles radar station (France);
— 76-mm gun mount Oto Melara (Italy);
— electron-optical SUAO (Germany).

The ship is adapted to host a Seahawk helicopter.

In 1983, Singapore ordered six Victory-class corvettes according to the German project MGB 62. The first was built by the German Lurssen Werft, the rest were built in Singapore at the ST Marine shipyard. They became part of the Navy in 1990–1991. They have anti-submarine weapons and form the 188th Squadron, part of the First Flotilla.

Fearless-class corvettes designed and built at the Singapore shipyard ST Marine. Entered service in 1996–1998. The first five ships form the 189th squadron, the remaining six - the 182nd. The hull is made of steel, the superstructure is made of light alloy. The design allows the installation of additional equipment, radar and weapons. The first six ships are armed with anti-submarine torpedoes. On some, instead of 25-mm guns, air defense systems are installed in the form of a Simbad air defense system on the stern. Kamewa water jet propulsion ensures high maneuverability.

In 2012, the Sultanate of Oman awarded a contract to ST Engineering to build four ships based on the Fearless design. The length of the new ship (Al-Ofouq type) is 75 meters, the contract amount is about 535 million euros. The propulsion will be propellers, not water cannons. Also, thanks to the increased length by 20 meters, these ships will carry a helicopter in addition to the UAV.

Landing ships, minesweepers and submarines

The largest ships of the Singapore Navy are: airborne transport Endurance. Plans for their creation were first announced in 1996, when the need arose to replace the old County-class landing ships (LST), received from the United States in the 70s. The 191st squadron is formed.

At the end of 2010, ST Marine announced a new project landing ship Endurance 160 displacement of more than 14,000 tons with a full-size flight deck. It is planned that its crew will be twice as large as the existing Endurance, plus 150 pilots and technical personnel. The ship will also acquire the capabilities of a hospital ship, for which it is equipped with a spacious infirmary and the necessary medical equipment.

At the end of 1995, the Singapore fleet included four Bedok-class minesweepers, which form the 194th squadron. Experts estimate that in the event of a real mine threat that would result in the shutdown of Singapore's commercial port, the damage would be approximately US$1.2 billion per day. Thus, these ships play an important role in the security of Singapore's economy.

The lead ship Bedok was built at the Swedish shipyard Karlskonavarvet (now Kockums) according to the Landsort design. The remaining units were built in Sweden and assembled in Singapore at ST Marine.

The ships are constructed from reinforced fiberglass, which provides a low magnetic signature. The bridge equipment, engines and main systems are mounted on shock absorbers. Each ship is equipped with Voith-Schneider propellers, which provide them with good controllability and maneuverability.

The Singapore Navy includes five submarines(submarines): three Challenger types (Sjoorman) and two Archer types (Vastergotland), built by the Swedish shipyard Kockums.

Challenger-class submarines built in the late 60s in Sweden. At one time they were considered one of the most advanced non-nuclear submarines. Initially intended for operations in the Baltic Sea. In the early 90s they were withdrawn from the Swedish fleet. In Singapore, they were “tropicalized” for use in warm waters. The air conditioning and protection systems against fouling of the hull by marine organisms were modernized, and a more corrosion-resistant pipeline system was installed. In addition, new periscopes were installed. By 2004, three boats became part of the Singapore Navy. One Challenger-class submarine - the RSS Challenger itself - was not introduced into the fleet and is used as a training ship. The boats are now over 40 years old.

Archer-class submarines built in the early 80s. A total of four boats of this type were made in Sweden. The first two submarines of the series were sold to Singapore in November 2005. Upon transfer, they underwent an upgrade procedure for use in tropical waters. Equipped with an air-independent main power plant.

High shipbuilding potential

Singapore is the only country in the world whose ship register includes an ekranoplan of its own construction (Airfish-8).

The Singaporean-Australian enterprise Asia-Pac Geraldton Ltd is building high-speed patrol boats for the Navy and police coast guard services. The private Singaporean-British company Wasper Private Ltd is also involved in the production of naval equipment, which builds Waspada-class missile boats for the Singapore Navy and foreign customers, in particular for Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Oman.

Overall, the Singapore Navy is a technologically advanced component of the Armed Forces, capable of carrying out current national security missions, and military allies such as the United States and Israel make it a very serious player in the region.

The state's shipbuilding industry is able to independently meet the needs of the Navy. All ships in the fleet are very modern or have recently undergone a modernization or service life extension program. However, attention is drawn to the absence of light strike forces and the weak component of the submarine forces.

As for submarines, we should expect new purchases abroad in the near future (to replace Challenger-type submarines) with a gradual orientation of the national industry in this direction.