ST today:
The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) four Challenger-class
submarines are the oldest boats in the navy. These subs were built
for the Royal Swedish Navy in 1968.
Mindef said it may buy two Vastergotland-class submarines, built in
the early 1980s, as possible replacements for some of the
Challengers.
Swedish newspapers have said the deal could be worth one billion
Swedish kronor (
S$220 million
). The Vastergotland subs, named after a county in Sweden, will
be refurbished before they are sold.
'The Swedish Navy is planning to stand down two of its submarines
of the Vastergotland class,' said a Defence Ministry spokesman.
'Mindef is now considering whether this might provide the RSN an
opportunity to enhance its submarine capabilities by replacing some
of its Challenger-class submarines with the Vastergotland-class
submarines.'
Three of the Challengers have been commissioned into RSN service,
leaving the fourth, RSS Challenger, yet to be declared ready for
operations.
Mindef noted that it has had 'a long cooperative relationship with
Sweden in the area of submarines'.
It said it purchased the Challenger-class submarines 'for training
and experience in operating submarines'.
Defence analysts said the Vastergotlands would give the RSN's
submarine force more punch, as the subs have been fitted with a new
kind of engine called 'air independent propulsion'. This engine
allows the sub to stay underwater longer.
Challenger subs, on the other hand, are powered by electric
batteries while underwater to ensure the boats are silent and hard
to detect.
But the batteries need recharging every few days using the diesel
engines. The motors are noisy and, to use them, the submerged sub
needs to raise a snorkel so the engines can operate.
I think the price with AIP is very cheap.
