The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN’s) first Archer-class submarine, RSS Archer, arrived at Changi Naval Base (CNB) from Sweden earlier today. Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers were present at CNB to witness its return.
Launched in Karlskrona, Sweden on 16 Jun 2009, RSS Archer is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Vaastergotland-class submarines acquired by Singapore in 2005. RSS Archer has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions. Crew members of RSS Archer have also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2007 to acquire the skillsets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.
RSS Archer will join 171 Squadron, under the RSN’s Fleet Command, to enhance the RSN’s capability to secure the seaward defence of Singapore and protect our vital sea lines of communication. [mappress] Source: mindef, August 17, 2011;