NAVY DAY 2019

When Singapore decided to establish a navy after Independence, it had only three ships - RSS Panglima, RSS Bedok and RSS Singapura - to patrol its coastal waters and protect the nation from maritime threats.

Understanding the importance of deterrence, Singapore began to acquire many different vessels. The size of our fleet grew through the 70s & 80s, with new vessels being added such as the Swift-class Coastal Patrol Crafts (CPCs).

From 1990 onwards, we expanded and diversified our naval operations. That year marked the Navy’s foray into maritime warfare, expanding beyond coastal defence. The Victory-class Missile Corvettes (MCVs) that were acquired were equipped with a complete suite of three-dimensional strike warfare capabilities. Also, our first submarines, acquired from the Swedish Royal Navy, represented a major step forward into the dimension of underwater warfare. It marked the RSN’s development into a diversified and capable Navy. To ensure that capabilities remained cutting-edge, we acquired new vessels such as the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels and the Bedok-class MCMVs to replace aging ships.

We did not rest on our laurels nor did we get complacent from the peace and prosperity we enjoyed. From the 2000s onwards, we acquired even more assets to further complement our fleet. Ranging from new LSTs to Submarines, we also acquired Formidable-class Frigates which signalled the RSN’s transformation into a 3rd Generation Navy. These warships can operate with Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters, which further enhance the frigates’ warfighting abilities in the air and underwater dimensions.

Our latest addition. Acquired in 2017, the Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) represents the future of the RSN: a Sharper, Smarter, Stronger Navy. Locally designed and built to take on the evolving threats in our maritime landscape, the LMV is a versatile warship that can take on multiple missions from coastal patrols to humanitarian and disaster relief operations. A total of eight LMVs will replace our ageing PVs by 2020.

Today we have expanded our fleet to increase its capability to deal with increasingly complex environments both abroad and close to home.

Did you know? RSS Singapura was a Japanese vessel named "Wakataka" then renamed to HMS Laburnum. When Singapore merge with Malaysia, it was renamed to Kapal di-Raja Singapura (K.D. Singapura). After Singapore gain her independence in 1965, K.D. Singapura was assigned to the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force as a training vessel. It was then recommissioned as RSS Singapura and became the official headquarters of the Republic of Singapore Navy up until 1968.

Stay tuned for more!

Clue: What is smart and white? No, it's not an Iphone.