 RSSSwordsman alongside Changi Naval Base | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Kockums |
| Operators |  Republic of Singapore Navy |
| Preceded by | Challenger class |
| Succeeded by | Invincible class |
| Completed | 2 |
| Active | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 60.5 m (198 ft 6 in) |
| Beam | 6.1 m (20 ft 0 in) |
| Draft | 5.6 m (18 ft 4 in) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Complement | 28 |
| Sensors & processing systems | FAS |
| Armament |
|
TheArcher-class submarines are a class of twodiesel-electricsubmarines in active service with theRepublic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Originally launched as theSwedish NavyVästergötland-class submarines HSwMSHälsingland and HSwMSVästergötland in 1986 and 1987, the two submarines were sold toSingapore in November 2005 and relaunched in June 2009 and October 2010 respectively after extensive modernisation byKockums, which included a refit toSödermanland class standards, the insertion of a new hull section with anair independent propulsion system, and additional climatisation for use in tropical waters.
Singapore'sMinistry of Defence (MINDEF) signed an agreement withKockums for the supply of twoArcher-class (formerlyVästergötland-class) submarines to the RSN on 4 November 2005.[1] More than 20 years old and previously in reserve with the Swedish Navy, the submarines were transferred to the RSN on completion of the modernisation and conversion for operation in tropical waters. RSSArcher was launched on 16 June 2009.[2] RSSArcher underwent sea trials following its launch and is now operational. The second submarine, RSSSwordsman, was launched on 20 October 2010. TheArcher-class submarines entered service in 2013 and replaced RSSChallenger and RSSCenturion of theChallenger class that were retired in 2015.
| Ship name | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSSArcher (ex-HSwMSHälsingland) | 16 June 2009 | 2 December 2011[3] | in active service, as of 2022 |
| RSSSwordsman (ex-HSwMSVästergötland) | 20 October 2010[4] | 30 April 2013[5] | in active service, as of 2022 |
TheArcher-class submarines were designed and built by Kockums AB as single-hull, double compartment submarines optimised to reduce noise and magnetic signature. The two pressure-tight compartments also enhance safety and survivability of the crew. The submarines were designed to operate in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea and are therefore also optimised for operation in Singapore waters, which have similar depth profiles. TheArcher-class submarines are also equipped withStirlingAIP engines.[6] This enables the submarines to have longer submerged endurance and lower noise signature, enhancing the stealth capability of the submarines. The advanced sonar system allows the submarines to detect contacts at a further distance, while the torpedo system has a better target acquisition capability, which allows the submarines to engage contacts at a longer range.[7]
 Swedish Navy | |
|---|---|
| Republic of Singapore Navy Archer class |
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