SECOND ARCHER-CLASS SUBMARINE ARRIVES BACK IN SINGAPORE

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) welcomed its second Archer-class submarine, the RSS Swordsman, on 31 Dec. As the submarine sailed into the waters of Changi Naval Base, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng and other senior naval officers were present to witness its return from Sweden.

Speaking at the ceremony, RADM Ng said: "Besides strengthening the Submarine force, RSS Swordsman will be integrated with her sister boat RSS Archer and the Challenger-class submarines. The RSS Swordsman will further sharpen the RSN's Anti-Submarine warfare capabilities by helping and having our Frigates and Naval Helicopters pit their skills against real submarines."

When asked what was next for the latest addition to the RSN's fleet, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Loh Mun Heng said: "In the coming months, the crew will continue to operationalise RSS Swordsman, putting her through the paces of trial integration, training with the fleet and finally commissioning her into the service of the RSN in mid-2013."

The RSS Swordsman is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy V sterg tland-class submarines that Singapore acquired in 2005. Similar to RSS Archer, the RSN's first Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions. The crew of RSS Swordsman has also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2008 to acquire the skill sets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.

The RSS Swordsman will join the RSN's 171 Squadron. "Working together with the ships, helicopters and other submarines of the RSN, the RSS Swordsman will help protect Singapore's sea lines of communication and ensure our seaward defence," said LTC Loh.