Navy retires last of its Challenger-class submarines

In the evening of 25 Nov at Changi Naval Base, a sunset decommissioning ceremony was held for RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, the last of Singapore’s first submarines.

They are two of four Challenger-class boats that entered service in the 2000s, paving the way in developing the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN’s) submarine operating capabilities.

The other two – RSS Challenger and RSS Centurion – retired earlier in 2015.

The ceremony, officiated by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, marked the final transition of the RSN’s pioneer Challenger-class submarines to the latest Invincible-class submarines (two of which became fully operational earlier in September).

Singapore’s first dive into submarines

The RSN acquired a Sjoormen-class submarine in 1995, as part of a training package with the Royal Swedish Navy.

Speaking to media in September 1995, then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan said: “The advantage of this training package is that it will give us actual knowledge of how submarines are operated and how they can add to our present capabilities.”

This was followed by the acquisition of three more boats in 1997. The fleet of four underwent refurbishing and a tropicalisation programme to prepare for operation in Singapore’s waters, and were eventually renamed the Challenger-class submarines. 

RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain were commissioned in July 2000 and August 2002 respectively, becoming Singapore’s first two submarines in service.

Learning the ropes

These Challenger-class submarines were capable of speeds up to 10 knots when surfaced, and 16 knots when submerged.

Operated with a crew of 28 personnel, the submarine is 51m in length and is armed with heavy weight torpedoes.

The experience which 171st Squadron – the RSN’s submarine squadron in the RSN – gained from training on these Challenger-class boats informed their decisions when acquiring the Archer-class submarines from the Royal Swedish Navy in 2005, and also when designing the new Invincible-class submarines that were built for Singapore’s waters.

Colonel (Ret) Cyril Lee, one of the RSN’s first submariners, said: “From just buying off the shelf, to specifying requirements to meet its specific operational needs within 10 years, no other navy I know of was able to make this kind of jump. And this is something that the RSN can be really proud of.”

Singapore’s stealthy underwater defenders, though typically found only in the deep, have surfaced for a rare public appearance before – excited Singaporeans caught a glimpse of RSS Conqueror when it was involved in the National Day Maritime Review in 2000!

Members of the public can also get up close with a piece of the retired RSS Centurion. Its fin is featured at the Navy Museum as part of a submarine display.

New beginnings

As the chapter closes for the Challenger-class submarines, another begins for the Submarine Training School (STS). Unveiling its new logo, the STS was launched on 25 Nov by RADM Wat.

Named in tribute after RSS Challenger, the STS is a one-stop training facility featuring advanced simulators that allows individual and team training in a safe but realistic environment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fleet Commander RADM Kwon Hon Chung said: “It was on board these (Challenger-class) submarines where we dived into the underwater domain some 29 years ago and overcame numerous challenges.

“From these humble beginnings, the RSN’s pioneer submarines pushed the boundaries of submarining with determination and tenacity, and today operate cutting-edge platforms confidently.”