Singapore’s first Archer-class submarine, the RSS Archer, entered on Friday 9 December active service. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen officiated at a commissioning ceremony at the Changi Naval Base together with Swedish Ambassador Dolfe and Defence Attaché Bengtsson from the Embassy of Sweden, and representatives from Kockums and the Swedish Royal Navy.
The RSS Archer arrived in Singapore in August this year, and the pioneer crew had to undergo comprehensive training to operate the advanced systems. The submarine has successfully conducted various system verifications and sea trials in local conditions as part of its operationalisation process.
Dr Ng said the RSS Archer has significantly enhanced Singapore’s submarine capability and will strengthen Singapore’s ability to contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
Sweden and Singapore has a long and fruitful co-operation in the marine sector, and Sweden exports i.a. submarines. The commissioning ceremony confirmed that the submarine Archer, the first of the Archer-Class submarines, is now ready to enter into service of the Republic of Singapore Navy. The submarine has been upgraded by Kockums and the crew trained by the Royal Swedish Navy.
