Article Posted on : - Dec 03, 2011

Singapore Navy's (RSN's) first Archer-class submarine, RSS Archer. Photo: MINDEF Singapore.

SINGAPORE (PTI): Singapore got its fist submarine, which was commissioned here in a ceremony on Friday, after two years of sea trial in Sweden.

'RSS Archer' arrived in Singapore in August after it was launched in Sweden more than two years ago.

The submarine of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has successfully conducted various system verifications and sea trials in local conditions as part of its operationalisation process, reported the Channel News Asia.

The pioneer crew had undergone comprehensive training to operate the advanced systems of the Archer-class submarine, fitted with the Air Independent Propulsion and advanced sonar systems that are stealthier than their predecessors, the ageing Challenger-class submarines.

The RSN's second submarine, RSS Swordsman, is currently undergoing sea trials in Sweden.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, officiated at a commissioning ceremony at the Changi Naval Base, said the RSS Archer would strengthen Singapore's ability to contribute to the peace and stability of the region.