Guardian of the
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Challenger Class Submarines
Description: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) concluded contractual negotiations covering the purchase of four of the 25 year old, 1,130 tonne Sjoormen-class SSK training submarines from Kockums, along with a training package for up to 40 RSN personnel, who began leaving for Sweden in April 1997. Delivery of the first training submarine was in early 1998. The four Sjoormen-class diesel-electric SSKs (RSS Challenger, RSS Conqueror, RSS Centurion and one more) are currently deployed in Sweden for training purposes. They are being tropicalised to prepare them for Singapore's warmer waters. To tackle the problems of corrosion and increased crew comfort, each of the four submarines will have: - copper nickle iron pipes and valves in place of steel ones, to reduce corrosion when in contact with sea water; - A marine growth protection system to minimise barnacle growth; and - two freon compressors to cool the interior of the submarine. However, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Dr Tony Tan revealed on Sep 23, 1996 that no decision had yet been made on whether the RSN would go for an operational SSK fleet. He added that the Swedish training package was part of the evaluation process. "We need to learn more about submarine operations and how they add to the capabilities of the RSN's fleet. If and when in the long term we decide we need a submarine capability, then we will know what specifications to aim for and what type of submarine to buy," Tan said. As of the 1st of May 00, one of the newly refurbished and modernised submarines has returned home. Another 2 should be back shortly thereafter.
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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