I do believe that RSN has a long way to go before it reaches the
capability of the RSAF or even the Army. As others have said, it is
not a secret that it was usually last in line for funding for most
of the last 2 decades. Compared to its regional counterparts, it is
rather lacking, especially considering its responsibilities. While
the RSAF multiplies the power of our ships, you still need hulls in
the water to exert sea control.
I think that this is changing, however. I think that planners have
realized how vulnerable Singapore is to naval blockade, and how
inadequate our forces currently are to break such a blockade. Also,
the threat of maritime piracy and terrorism, while mostly the
responsibility of the Coast Guard to deal with, also calls for
greater naval power.
Even after we acquire the new Formidable class frigates, we still
need more. Given our limited funds, I do not think that submarines
are a good idea for us. They are too much of a one trick pony for
too high a price, and the shallow waters of the region limit them
even further. We should focus on obtaining more surface platforms
similar to the Formidable and integrate them with our aerial and
underwater UAVs and satellite reconnaisance capability. Joint
operations with the RSAF should be emphasized and honed to
perfection.
