Guardian of the
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War Galleons Welcome to "War Galleons". In this page and it’s related links, you will learn more about the fighting ships and aircraft of the RSN. At the forefront of the navy’s strength, there are 6 Victory class missile corvettes (MCVs), 6 Sea Wolf missile gunboats (MGBs), 12 Fearless Class Patrol Vessels (PVs), and 4 Bedok class Mine Counter Measures Vessels (MCMVs). The army’s amphibious capabilities are also augmented with 2 Endurance class LSTs (or LPDs depending on your definition) with another 2 on their way, 1 Lancelot class LSL, 2 Intrepid class LSTs, 6 RPLs, 30 Landing craft/Fast craft Utility, 100 Landing craft (FCEP) and 450 assault boats. Meanwhile, brothers from the Naval Diving Unit (NDU) can count on the support of a Jupiter class diving support vessel and 20 Boston Whalers. The RSN’s assets are not simply constrained to surface ships. There are now 3 (with 1 as a spare) Sjoormen class submarines from Kockkums of Sweden, and 12 Fokker 50 MPA/UTA for long range maritime patrol. Also, in the very near future, the RSN is looking at the acquisition of 6 new generation stealth corvettes/frigates, naval helicopters/UAVs, and more advanced submarines. What do these impressive figures mean? And how does it relate to the defence of Singapore? Obviously, the 24 Victory, Sea Wolf and Fearless class vessels represent the teeth and claws of the navy. Their primary role is to protect our country’s sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) which are vital to our survival, given our heavy dependence on foreign trade. Similarly, the MPAs function as the eyes of the fleet, given its capability to conduct long range surveillance from the skies above. Lastly, the large numbers of transport and amphibious crafts function as the legs; moving the SAF across the waters safely. What about the MCMVs and the submarines? Well, they are designed to challenge the unconventional threats that Singapore may face. The numbers as can be seen may not seem impressive in comparison to established naval powers such as the US, Russia, UK, France or even Japan and Australia. Doubts and questions have even been raised on the RSN’s capability to defend our island against threats. But for you readers out there, know that the RSN is not an organisation to be trifled with; we’ve got teeth and we bite hard….
Platforms: Challenger/Sjoormen class submarines Victory class Missile Corvettes (MCVs) Sea Wolf class Missile Gunboats (MGBs) Fearless class Patrol Vessels (PVs) Sir Lancelot Class Landing Ship Logistic (LSL) County class Landing Ship Tank (LSTs) Endurance class Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs)/Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) Bedok class Mine Countermeasures Vessels (MCMVs) Landing/Fast Craft Utility (LCUs/FCUs)
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