Singapore Navy Launches RSS Archer Submarine
Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean officiated at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first Archer-class submarine, RSS Archer, at the Kockums Shipyard in Karlskrona, Sweden. RSS Archer is one of two ex-Vaastergotland-class submarines acquired by Singapore in 2005. The submarines will be based at Changi Naval Base (CNB).
The A-17 Vaastergotland class of diesel-electric submarines was introduced in 1987 by the Swedish Navy. Out of the original four ships of her class, two were sold to Singapore Navy in 2005. HMS Västergötland was built in 1986 and HMS Hälsingland was built in 1987. Both were refitted to Södermanland-class standards and receive additional climatisation for use in tropical waters.
The Archer-class submarines are equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which enables the submarines to have longer submerged endurance and lower noise signature. This enhances the submarines' stealth capability. The advanced sonar system allows the submarines to detect 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.
The RSS Archer is Singapore fifth submarine. The first submarine, RSS Conqueror was commissioned in 2000.