RSN capabilities

[Red]

I'm not sure if the Victory and Fearless Classes of vessels will be replaced yet, but there is at least a need to have plans to upgrade them, if they are to remain in service.

The Sea-Wolf class was replaced after 30-33 years of extended sterling service. If you go along those lines, the Victory class will be replaced before the end of the next decade with orders starting early in the first half of next decade. The were ordered in 1983 and the first ship commissioned in 1990. ST Marine naval yards have got something to do apart from building the new Landing Platform Dock for the Thai navy.

It may well be an indigenous solution and it may have something to do with ABM defence;something Singapore is vulnerable and currently looking into. ST showcased this new stealthly frigate design not too long ago;

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4421/4e7a0aa7c8837477b5994e9xb7.jpg Credit: Local Mil-nut forum

However, priority would still be new submarines to replace the Challangers which are even older(but extensively upgraded); possibly the A46 submarines. They could opt to build them here with suitable technology transfers or simply have them built in Sweden.

With regards to the Asters on board the Formidables, the RSN has never stated they were carrying Aster 15s only. Foreign observers did though they had few information to rely on then. Officially, RSN simply refers to them as Aster surface to air missiles.

 

[Red]

That said, I hope that the RSN buys the other 4-6 S-70 helicopters as well. Are these options waiting to be executed? Im wondering if the unbought helicopters are supposed to be organic helis for the Endurance class LPDs or a new class of surface combatants or ships.

 

[OPSSG]

That said, I hope that the RSN buys the other 4-6 S-70 helicopters as well. Are these options waiting to be executed? Im wondering if the unbought helicopters are supposed to be organic helis for the Endurance class LPDs or a new class of surface combatants or ships.

Red, thanks for the clarifications in your earlier post, they help alot!

I think we need more of the S-70Bs (at least 4 more for the Endurance Class and maybe 2 more for training/spares?) as a cheap way to upgrade the capability of this class of vessel, regardless of the number of unmanned solutions, as I tend to think of the manned helicopters as a key anti-submarine and anti-surface node. IIRC the existing S-70Bs have at least another extra-processor (beyond the normal redundancy needs), which means they can be programmed for additional mission roles or purposes (which is a very useful design feature).

IMHO, the Victory class replacements will need their own airborne organic anti-submarine and anti-surface assets. Now, at that time, the question will be: Are these going to be manned or unmanned solutions? In this case, it may be instructive to track the development of the MQ-8 Fire Scout for the USN (though I'm not sure if the MQ-8 will be the future of naval rotary wing aviation).

 

[Red]

The entire region will see an increase in the usage of submersibles; in particular from China. It is the direction forward in my opinion. This should be Singapore`s S70Bs;

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3576/sn29cg8.jpg

IMHO, the Victory class replacements will need their own airborne organic anti-submarine and anti-surface assets. Now, at that time, the question will be: Are these going to be manned or unmanned solutions? In this case, it may be instructive to track the development of the MQ-8 Fire Scout for the USN (though I'm not sure if the MQ-8 will be the future of naval rotary wing aviation).

Read that the RSN was interested in the Comcopter. Personally, I believe a manned solution is preferable. You do a lot more with manned solutions. Unmanned ones, while unique and have thier own advantages, serve as supplementary sensors and platforms; the same way the current Protector USVs are used by the RSN. My two cents.

 

[Red]

I missed this one out. An important new ship was launched late last year; RSS Swift Rescue, a submarine rescue ship which will come with its own rescue submersible. RSN thus joins the few navies in the world with its own submarine rescue ship and submersible. The ship and rescue equipment will not just tend to RSN`s needs but her allies/friends as well; boosting/encouraging the latter`s involvement in the region.
_______________________________________________

ST Marine launches RSN submarine support and rescue ship

Posted: 09 Dec 2008, 1800 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

Report by Gail Wan
Photo by Aloysius Tan

Source: CyberPioneer, Singapore`s Mindef

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4290/rsnsubrescuezi7.jpg

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is well on course to add a submarine support and rescue ship to its fleet, with the support vessel, Swift Rescue, being launched on 29 Nov by Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine).

Touted to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, Swift Rescue was conceptualised, designed and built by ST Marine, to enable it with the primary capability of submarine rescue, as well as to fulfill other secondary roles to meet the requirements of the RSN.

Besides being highly manoeuvrable with excellent sea-keeping capabilities, the ship also incorporates a helicopter deck and unique operational spaces.

Measuring 85m by 18m, it is designed to house a Submarine Rescue Vessel (SRV) and its handling systems on board. The SRV, which is still being built in Britain by James Fisher Defence, can be lowered to a depth of 500m underwater to reach a distressed submarine.

Should the need arise, Swift Rescue will utilise a Transfer-Under-Pressure system to allow the affected submariners to be transferred seamlessly from the SRV into the recompression chambers for immediate treatment.

In March 2007, the RSN awarded the contract to ST Marine to design, build and maintain the ship and the submarine rescue system.

The 20-year services contract is expected to commence next year, when the support ship and the SRV have been completed and integrated into a complete system.

Here are more pictures;

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1191/pict0110gl9.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/94/submarineresquexr3hj5.jpg

 

[swerve]

Read that the RSN was interested in the Comcopter. Personally, I believe a manned solution is preferable. You do a lot more with manned solutions. Unmanned ones, while unique and have thier own advantages, serve as supplementary sensors and platforms; the same way the current Protector USVs are used by the RSN. My two cents.

The Camcopter is small enough that it might be possible to carry one or two in addition to a manned helicopter, as the supplementary sensor you advocate.

 

[OPSSG]

The Camcopter is small enough that it might be possible to carry one or two in addition to a manned helicopter, as the supplementary sensor you advocate.

@Swerve and Red,

I agree, I also think that developments in unmanned solutions (as supplementary sensors) are very interesting, especially the using of 2 or more remote vehicles to co-cooperatively 'ping' for adversary submarines (if I may use a non-technical approach to the subject ) or what DSO calls multi-static sonar.

I'm not sure if both of you have read these 4 online documents:

(i) Development of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unmanned Surface Vehicle - which is a proposed[?] USN USV solution by General Dynamics.

(ii) USN's Anti-Submarine Warfare: Concept of Operations for the 21st Century. The key concept is to achieve pervasive awareness of the battlespace via integrated Joint Force ASW operations, enhanced by common operational and tactical pictures that permit precise targeting and weapons employment.

(iii) Please also see a 1998 article on 'Unmanned Warfare' by Maj Tew See Mong for an overview of unmanned solutions and a 2005 fact sheet of RSN USV developments.

The planned use of multi-static sonar is driven by the fact that it is increasingly difficult for sonar systems to detect conventional submarines which have become quieter and with low target strength. Modern navies are now placing more emphasis on the use of active low frequency sonar system as it offers a better detection performance for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. In the transformation of major modern navies into the next generation force, the sharing of information between different systems for modern warfare is a key area of focus. Multi-static sonar concept presents a network-centric based approach through the use of active sonar transmitters with multiple receivers to improve target detection performance.

They look like interesting concepts to a layman like me. What do you think?

 

[Red]

Thanks OPSG and Swerve for your comments.

The Spartans are already in operation and RSN has a fleet of them.

RSN currently operates two types of Unmanned Surface Vessels; the Protectors and the Spartans.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ad/Protector_USV.jpg
Protector USV

Spec of Protector USV
9m-long Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB)

Capabilities:
- Force Protection (FP)
- Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)

Equipped with:
- Camera device
- Loudspeaker and microphone
- Surveillance radar
- Mini-Typhoon stabilised naval machine gun system

Remotely controlled by operator on mother ship and powered by diesel engine

_______________________________________________
SPARTAN USV


Spartan aboard CG 64

Soldiers in Iraq aren’t the only people using remote control vehicles to investigate suspicious activities without getting too close. Singapore just unveiled a fleet of two-ton Spartan Scout Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV), which Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean said would give the city-state a high-tech boost in the battle against maritime piracy and terrorism. “The USVs allow ships to deploy such a vessel without getting the men into too close contact with a suspicious boat, which may have undesirable intentions,” Teo told reporters after the demonstration.

The Spartan Scout is a 7-11 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat that can operate by remote control as a modular, reconfigurable, multi-mission, high-speed, semi-autonomous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) capable of carrying payloads of 3,000 pounds (7-meter) or 5,000 pounds (11-meter). At present they carry sensors, but plans are underway to test weaponized versions, including versions that could carry Hellfire or Javelin anti-armor missiles for use against targets or small craft.

The Spartan Scout was created by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, RI, in conjunction with Radix Marine, Northrop-Grumman, and Raytheon. The craft were tested in Dec 2003 aboard the US Navy Cruiser Gettysberg (CG 64).

Among its other potential missions, the USV is being developed as a low-cost means of extending maritime patrol coverage and providing anti-terrorism force protection (AT/FP) for the fleet. In Singapore’s case, there’s also a focus on intercepts of suspected pirates. The island nation has already operated RAFAEL’s Protector series USVs during a deployment near Iraq. Singapore’s MinDef did not say how much the Spartan USVs cost, nor exactly how many Protector USVs the Singapore Navy had.

Singapore is developing the Spartan in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, who is also looking to use USVs as adjuncts to larger ships. Indeed, Nav Log notes that “Near future Scout tests are to include demonstrations of Mine Warfare (MIW) capabilities and Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities.”

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/spartan-usvs-for-singapores-navy-0540/

Uniquely Spartan

In its continual efforts towards becoming a 3G Navy, the RSN is actively involved in research and development. It has the privilege of being involved in a multi-national collaboration with the US Naval Undersea Warfare Centre, the French Navy and other agencies in the Spartan Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) programme to develop the Spartan USV.

Started in mid-2002, the ACTD programme will create significant changes to naval warfare, especially in littoral waters. With Singapore as an island situated in littoral waters, the RSN can value-add in the programme with its relevant expertise in littoral warfare.

Together with the experts from the various agencies, the RSN personnel have been testing and evaluating the Spartan to refine its operational requirements.

This USV is armed with 'plug-and-play' mission modules - FP/-ISR, MIW, ASW and AsuW/Precision engagement. Depending on the mission modules, the Spartan can be equipped with different capabilities that are interchangeable.

According to the RSN Operations Manager for the Spartan ACTD programme, the ACTD is a manifestation of the RSN's intent to be at the leading edge of unmanned technologies.

Some of the early results of the Spartan include its deployment in ISR and FP missions "to augment the RSN's maritime security capabilities".

There are many points unique to the Spartan that cannot be found on other USVs like the Protector. One is its coalition interoperability, where a single host can control multiple USVs, or multiple hosts can control a single USV.

This is a strong and added advantage in terms of naval combat, especially when allied forces have to work hand-in-hand to counter maritime threats. Its beyond line-of-sight datalink capability is another unique factor. Used together with a UAV, the Spartan can be deployed at an out-of-sight distance from the mother ship and transmit data retrieved back to the mother ship using high-speed broadband datalink.

And unlike the Protector, the Spartan need not be remotely controlled. With way-points (various points in a route) and targets set, the Spartan can be an autonomous system.
Its 360-degree rotation camera device aids in object avoidance along its intended path.

Spec of Spartan USV

7m-long Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB)

Plug-and-play mission modules:

FP/ ISR
MIW
ASW
ASuW/ Precision engagement

Depending on the mission modules, the Spartan can be equipped with any of the following:

Loudspeaker and microphone (basic equipment)
Surveillance radar (basic equipment)
360-degree video and camera suite
High-fidelity electro-optical/Infra-red ball
Stabilised machine gun/missile
Mine-hunting side scan sonar
Dipping sonar
Anti-armour missile
Broadband datalink
Nuclear, radiological and chemical detection
Remotely controlled by an operator on mother ship; autonomous; interoperability among different hosts, and powered by diesel engine

USV concept
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/pu...fPars-0004-TextImage.imindefParstextimage.gif

Source: Singapore Mindef

 

[Red]

Related Spartan development from the local forum;

5B.3 Unmanned Distributed Maritime Awareness and Engagement System
C Reise, D Jardot, D Johnson, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, USA; G L C Ping, Singapore
This abstract describes the collaborative project to develop an Unmanned Distributed Maritime Awareness and Engagement System as it is planned in a collaboration between the United States and the Republic of Singapore. The effort is an Unmanned Vehicle (UV) project designed to provide a cost effective international solution to asymmetric terrorist tactics in the maritime environments. It is developed in response to recent world events involving swarms of small craft attacking larger crafts. These recent events have emphasized the effectiveness of swarms of fast attack craft to attack both civilian ships and military vessels. Technology demonstrated in this project will provide a capability to combat terrorists that use low-cost vehicles such as fast attack craft for personnel and weapons transportation and for weapons platforms.

The collaborative project continues work begun in 2002 between the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) and the Republic of Singapore on the SPARTAN Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). The initial spiral of this project will integrate a Remote Operated Small Arms Mount (ROSAM) onto a SPARTAN 7-m USV. The ROSAM will consist of a three-axis stabilized gun and missile mount with two Spike missiles on the USV remotely controlled through a Weapons Management Control Station (WMCS) developed by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Division Crane. In addition, the first spiral will develop an over the horizon (OTH) cueing capability using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a video camera and communications link. Future spirals of this project are being investigated to include underwater-sensor cueing and buoy-based communication relays.

NUWCDIV NPT will design, fabricate and test the OTH communications link for the current spiral. NSWC Crane and NUWCDIVNPT and will integrate the missile system onto a USV and will demonstrate successful OTH cueing, command and control, and missile lock-on. After successful demonstration in the US, the ROSAM system will be shipped to Singapore for integration onto their 7-m SPARTAN USV. Singapore will launch two inert Spike missiles at targets in Singapore to complete the missile demonstration.

The USV DATT project is sponsored by the US Navy Pacific Command (PACOM) and the Singapore Ministry of Defence. It is an 18-month fiscal year 2008 new start effort with numerous supporters including; the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics/International Cooperation (OUSD/AT&L) the Combating Terrorism Technology Support Office (CTTSO), the Office of Naval Research (ONR) TechSolutions Office, and Navy International Programs Office (NIPO).

http://www.udt-pacific.com/progsession5B.asp

_________________________________________________________

I am thinking if it would be feasible to have wolf packs of Spartans USVs armed with Spikes operating in the littorals for hit and run attacks on large capital ships. They might sink them or cause mission kills and significant damage.

Other Spartans could be equipped with sonars and torpedoes for a tight undersea sensor net in the littorals. Comments?

In an unrelated development, Israel used Spikes missiles to bombard and close Gaza harbour;

Israel's Navy Displays Precision Guided Missiles Fired at Gaza targets
Posted by David Eshel at 1/5/2009 8:18 AM CST

The Israeli Navy has taken part in attacks on Gaza, targeting coastal targets and boats formerly operated by the Palestinian police.

For the first time, the Navy has acknowledged the use of precision guided missiles integrated with the Typhoon weapon system. Records of the attack, published by the Israeli Navy, indicate the Israelis have equipped naval vessels with Rafael Spike ER electro-optical guided missiles. Two missiles fired at coastal targets are seen in a video aired by Israel TV.

The video depicts the attacks by the Typhoon remotely controlled gun and the firing sequence of the two missiles, one targeting a small patrol boat whoile the other hits through the window of a building on the coastline.

The 8 km-range Spike ER missile was known to be have been used from helicopters, vehicles and ground positions, but are now being used on ships, probably Super Dvora fast attack craft (FAC), carrying Rafael's Typhoon stabilized gun mount. Other videos from the attack show the boat's Typhoon gun scoring precision hits even from a rolling ship in rough seas.

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blog...79a7Post:f7a22cae-fc89-43de-afd2-faffaff5b118

 

[Yahoo!]

This is the first time I am hearing about the G550, but these are AEW, so it should be replacing the RSAF's E2C isnt it? Not sure if it is useful to the RSN?

I am also not a firm believer of unmanned systems. If they are really so good, all the militaries in the world would have to shut down...

 

[Red]

Singapore To Join Anti-Piracy Mission: Minister
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

SINGAPORE - Singapore will send a navy transport ship and two helicopters to support multinational anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden area, the defense minister said Feb. 11.

Teo Chee Hean told parliament that the Southeast Asian city-state - which has one of Asia's most modern armed forces - will send a landing ship tank (LST) and two Super Puma helicopters.

He said they will work with the new international counter-piracy task force, known as CTF-151, operating in and around the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

The minister did not give a date for the Singapore contingent's deployment.

On Feb. 10 the U.S. Navy, which currently leads the CTF-151, said it had arrested seven suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden, the first time the task force has apprehended suspected pirates since its formation a month ago.

Singapore has also sent LST vessels to waters near Iraq to support coalition forces there.

China has already sent naval forces to the Gulf of Aden, and Japan's defense minister said recently his country's navy may be deployed as part of the anti-piracy operations as early as March.

Pirates attacked more than 130 merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden last year, an increase of more than 200 percent on 2007, according to the International Maritime Bureau, which tracks piracy and shipping security issues.

 

[Red]

I assume the Singapore Navy will deploy with the usual USVs and landing crafts. The Endurance Class are LPDs (or landing platform docks). These 8,500 ton vessels (when fully loaded) have 2 helicopter landing pads and a hanger. There is also well-dock at the rear of the vessel. I expect the vessels to deploy with 150 to 180 naval and air force personnel.

posted by OPSG

Protector unmmaned surface vessels were deployed from the Endurance class Lpds during the Persian Gulf deployments. Not too sure about the Spartans. I am certain they will deploy them again. The pirates will be surprised when they see highly agile and armed sea robots talking to them. I guess it will also be a litmus test as per how effective these USVs will be in a littoral contest with pirates.

 

[OPSSG]

Protector unmanned surface vessels were deployed from the Endurance class LPDs during the Persian Gulf deployments. Not too sure about the Spartans. I am certain they will deploy them again. The pirates will be surprised when they see highly agile and armed sea robots talking to them. I guess it will also be a litmus test as per how effective these USVs will be in a littoral contest with pirates.

In the Feb 2009 issue of DTI, at pages 16 -17, they detail technology available to handle pirates, including USV technology, which will make armed patrols more cost effective and persistent. Helicopters have good range but have persistence and patrol cost issues.

In this respect, the RSN will be able to make a meaningful contribution to CTF-151 via the use of USVs. While the deployment of the Endurance Class LPDs do not generate as much excitement (as the high end naval vessel deployments from the other navies), they are versatile vessels and well suited for tackling the problem of pirates.

I would expect to see the operational deployment of the Spartan Scouts (for the first time in a pirate hunting role) in multiple vessel USV patrols, so that our allocated sector will be well covered. The Spartan Scout is a 7-11 metre USV capable of carrying payloads of up to 5,000 pounds (for the 11-metre version), which is potentially more suited to deploy in pirate hunting packs. I would expect the helicopters to serve as a supplementary patrol role. This will reduce the amount of risk faced by the NDU boarding teams, and save the use of the NDU operators only in the close in phase. Otherwise, it is really hard work for the NDU boarding teams.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, on 12 Feb 2009 provided further details of RSN's efforts to deter both piracy and terrorism. The RSN has been a busy with round-the-clock patrols and last year escorted 1,900 merchant ships carrying sensitive cargo in the Singapore Strait. Accompanying Sea Security Teams, comprising Navy and Coast Guard armed sea marshals, last year boarded and accompanied 1,100 selected vessels using Singapore’s ports. I did not realise the amount of work being shouldered by the RSN.

Further, with the expiry of the UN mandate for deployments in Iraq, our deployments in Iraq will end. Again I was shocked by the numbers. Over the past five years, 998 SAF Servicemen (the majority of which are from the RSN) , some of whom have served multiple tours, have contributed to the multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

In 2009 one of the Formidable class frigates will have to be deployed to San Diego for seahawk integration training by the USN (which will give new capabilities to the RSN). I hope the RSN is not over stretched.

 

[Red]

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, on 12 Feb 2009 provided further details of RSN's efforts to deter both piracy and terrorism. The RSN has been a busy with round-the-clock patrols and last year escorted 1,900 merchant ships carrying sensitive cargo in the Singapore Strait. Accompanying Sea Security Teams, comprising Navy and Coast Guard armed sea marshals, last year boarded and accompanied 1,100 selected vessels using Singapore’s ports. I did not realise the amount of work being shouldered by the RSN.

More vessels were checked if you consider checks by Customs Marine and the ICA. In fact, Customs Marine and ICA have been checking and boarding ships in Singapore`s ports for decades. Same with the Marine Police then before they were reorganized into the more glamorous Coast Guard.

 

[Red]

In this respect, I would expect to see the operational deployment of the Spartan Scouts (for the first time in a pirate hunting role) in multiple vessel USV patrols, so that our allocated sector will be well covered. The Spartan Scout is a 7-11 metre USV capable of carrying payloads of up to 5,000 pounds (for the 11-metre version), which is potentially more suited to deploy in pirate hunting packs.

Arm them with Spike-ERs and guns. :vamp

 

[OPSSG]

Professional observers like Sunho Beck, writing in Aviation Week (1 Oct 2007), have said that the G550 Compact Early Warning aircraft (CAEW) can detect fighter sized targets up to 370 km away (i.e see well beyond KL, when flying in Singapore airspace) and carries unique dual-band, phased-array radar with 2 L-band side antennas and 2 S-band end antennas which are connected to a common radar unit. The system software has been optimised by DSTA and the local defence industry. The G550 fly as high as 41,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 9 hours. The CAEWs are acquired to replace the E2C Haweye, first purchased and delivered in 1987 to counter the threat of low flying Soviet Mig-23 fighter bombers based in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.

Therefore, I can see why you are confused, as these observers were focusing on the aircraft early warning capabilities of the G550 CAEW aircraft.

This is the first time I am hearing about the G550, but these are AEW, so it should be replacing the RSAF's E2C isnt it? Not sure if it is useful to the RSN?

Please watch the video posted earlier, as there is very little open source information on the capability spectrum of the G550 CAEW. If should become clear that the G550 CAEW's ability to manage surface clutter and provide a look down picture stand it in good stead to assist in providing a clearer picture to the RSN.

So the G550 CAEW is much more than a replacement of the RSAF's E2C block zero aircraft.

I am also not a firm believer of unmanned systems.

IMHO, augmentation of existing manned platforms via unmanned systems is the immediate wave of the future (I have provided information on these developments). Please consider reading the links provided and providing an informed response. It would be more fun to engage in a discussion that way.

If they are really so good, all the militarizes in the world would have to shut down...

We are some time away from using unmanned systems (like the robots in the "Clone Wars" cartoon series) to replace the military.

 

[OPSSG]

@Red, I would like to see pirates trying to dodge Spike-ER missiles... but I think guns would be cheaper (just bullet costs)... hehe

...possibly the A46 submarines. They could opt to build them here with suitable technology transfers or simply have them built in Sweden.

Sorry about the noob question and I have been meaning to ask... The project name is A26 right?

 

[Red]

@Red, I would like to see pirates trying to dodge Spike-ER missiles... but I think guns would be cheaper (just bullet costs)... hehe



Sorry about the noob question and I have been meaning to ask... The project name is A26 right?

With regards to the Spikes, you are spoiling the fun. Oh well. :unknown Guns are just as good as any. :vamp

Yes. I was talking about the A26 subs. Sorry for the typo. Now, Im not sure what is the progress currently. Alternatively, RSN would probably go German though they are under one company now.

But I have no doubt we will see an annoucement soon on the Challenger replacements. They will augment the highly upgraded Vastergotlands(AIP equipped). My personal speculation would be around 4 new generation subs(with possible options for two more) and add that to the improved Vastergotlands for a total of 6 submarines like the majority of the RSN squadrons.

The threat scenario has changed since we last bought and heavily modified the Challengers and it will continue to change. Submersible operations will become common in South East Asia. The construction of RSN`s submarine rescue ship and rescue submersible is a testament to the new environment in South East Asia and a possible indicator of RSN`s ambitions.

 

[Red]

Professional observers like Sunho Beck, writing in Aviation Week (1 Oct 2007), have said that the G550 Compact Early Warning aircraft (CEAW) can detect fighter sized targets up to 370 km away (i.e see well beyond KL, when flying in Singapore airspace) and carries unique dual-band, phased-array radar with 2 L-band side antennas and 2 S-band end antennas which are connected to a common radar unit. The system software has been optimised by DSTA and the local defence industry. The G550 fly as high as 41,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 9 hours. The CAEWs are acquired to replace the E2C Haweye, first purchased and delivered in 1987 to counter the threat of low flying Soviet Mig-23 fighter bombers based in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.

Radar range has been quoted to be in excess of 400km.

They fly further and fly higher as well. But i think one of the chief reasons as per why RSAF went for the Phalcon CAEWs is because of its ability to operate extremely well in the littoral marine environment and over cluttered, crowded and confined land areas effectively and simultaneously.

Israel has effectivey used them over Gaza where it effectively tracked and identified numerous friendly and enemy positions, friendly aircraft and UAVs, friendly and enemy fire, extremely small projectiles(small rockets/pin-pointing thier launch positions for immediate counter arty/aerial attack), etc. In addition, they have the capability to track ballistic missile launchers which is something good for the future.

The other reason is that Singapore`s DSTA would have access to the radar mechanics and software thanks to our close friend, Israel. It has been reported that RSAF`s current E-2c AEW`s radar codes were heavily modified and altered by Singapore`s DSTA. I assume Singapore got the permission from the US.

Aviationweek(DTI) has just revealed that customers can also opt to add powerful SAR radars to the CAEWs so that the aerial system acts as a powerful SAR platform ala UK`s Astor as well with a large range.

It is speculative currently if the RSAF has opted to include such a capability though it would be highly advantageous and likely.

 

[Red]

This was just announced. The 6 Victory class ships will undergo a life extension/upgrade program and this is an indicator that the class in its last stretch of usage similar to the old Sea-wolf class before thier retirement. This will allow the class to be used and continue be relevant till around 30 years old(2019-2020)(Sea-wolf class ships were retired around that age) whilst a new class of ship is being built and commissioned next decade. It will probably be retired at the end of the next decade.

Im not sure what the upgrades will be? Space is not exactly a luxury on the Victory ships. Perhaps, new sensors? New weapons? Im speculating that they might add a Typhoon gun at the rear? Victory class armaments are as follows;

1 75mm OTO Melara Super Rapid
8 Harpoon anti-surface missiles
16(in 16 vls launchers) Barak anti-air missiles(10km range)(Is it true that Barak could also be used in an anti-ship role for small vessels?)
Eurotorp A244-S Mod 3 torpedoes
CIS 50 12.7 mm machine guns

Ships in the class;

RSS Victory (88)—commissioned 1990
RSS Valour (89)—commissioned 1990
RSS Vigilance (90)—commissioned 1990
RSS Valiant (91)—commissioned 1991
RSS Vigour (92)—commissioned 1991
RSS Vengeance (93)—commissioned 1991

http://www.waronline.org/IDF/Articles/tango_magnolia/9d10bd67.jpg
A Victory class ship somewhere in Australian waters?

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/994/victory11ombd6.jpg
A Victory class ship showing her 8 harpoons SSM launchers and torpedo launchers

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/af/RSS_Vengeance_Barak.jpg
A Victory class ship firing off her Barak missiles.

Edit: Here`s the picture of that crazy mast on the Victory ships I found;

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8580/victory3kl8.jpg
Any idea what the drum like arrays are?

Nice site about the Victory class ships(first ship was built in Germany and subsequent ships were built in Singapore. Also, I think ST Marine bought the design as it currently marketed by St Marine as well ?);

http://www.luerssen.de/php/ship.php?pageid=13223