RSN capabilities

[OPSSG]

Part 1 of 2: Concurrent activities with other navies at sea

1. At the end of 2020, the size of China’s navy— was approximately 360, compared to the United States’ 297, according to the US Office of Naval Intelligence. It also projected that China’s navy will increase to 400 ships in 2025 and 425 in 2030. Given the growth of the Chinese Navy, there are two paths to peace — (a) the absolute surrender of a country’s national interests (eg. the Philippines and Cambodia); or (b) working with a coalition of countries to align economic and security interests (eg. Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore).

2. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a 3-nation tour of Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore) and Korea aimed at shoring up Beijing’s diplomatic engagement with the region following a number of visits by high-ranking U.S. officials. Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that the long-standing China-Singapore relation has become an important stabilizing factor in the region. During their meeting, Wang conveyed greetings from the Chinese leaders to Singapore’s prime minister.

(a) Wang said the bilateral relationship has benefited from the strategic leadership of the leaders of the two countries, the joint efforts of people from all walks of life in both countries and the fact that the Singapore’s side has always viewed China’s development objectively and rationally. He highlighted that Singapore is adept at finding cooperation opportunities from China’s development and striving for win-win prospects.​

​

(b) Coming about two weeks after US Vice President Kamala Harris' trip to the region that sought to pit countries against China, Wang's trip showed that China and the neighboring countries are aiming to work in partnership to strengthen diplomatic relations. According to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, China, Singapore and Japan have finished ratification of RCEP, as a key move to enable post-pandemic economic recovery.​

​

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1437755511227576320

(c) During the Singapore-China Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) held on 14 Sep 2021, via video conferencing, both sides:​

(i) expressed their commitment to strengthen defence cooperation as agreed under the enhanced Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation signed in Oct 2019, that includes the regularisation and scaling up of bilateral exercises and interactions across the Services such as the flagship bilateral army and naval exercises Exercise Cooperation and Exercise Maritime Cooperation; and​

​

(ii) discussed ways to strengthen cooperation under the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus framework and broaden ASEAN-China defence cooperation to build mutual understanding and confidence among the defence establishments.​

(d) Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that his recent four-nation tour to Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and South Korea has helped upgrade mutually-beneficial cooperation among all sides. This trip follows upon the Apr 2021 trip by Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to China upon Wang’s invitation.​

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1440638108165279749

3. Singapore Navy conducting a Passage Exercise with the PLA(N) in Sep 2021.

 

[OPSSG]

Part 2 of 2: Concurrent activities with other navies at sea

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1448656578895237134

4. The Singapore Navy conducted far more complicated serials with the Indians, prior to the serials with the PLA(N). With only 5 Fokker 50 MPAs and 8 Seahawks, the Singapore Navy struggles to conduct realistic ASW exercises at a reasonable training cost.

​

(a) Given that ASW is a combined operation and the days of a single vesssl searching for lurking submarines are long gone, it makes financial sense to train with the Indian Navy. Four F-16s took part to simulate the air threat and provide realism for the anti-air serial. The Indian Navy gets tremendous value as their PPOs get to hunt an AIP submarine and also defend against notional enemy F-16s.​

​

(b) This way within the task group for the exercise serials, there will be a number of options, including a P8I and organic naval helicopters to hunt the Archer class submarine that is playing the role of the enemy for SIMBEX serial on ASW.​

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1448559853211848704

5. Exercise Bersama Gold 2021 is a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) tri-service exercise involving assets and personnel from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom — with the participation of 2600 personnel, 10 ships, one submarine, six maritime helicopters, three maritime patrol aircraft, 25 fighter aircraft, two support aircraft, and a G550 CAEW for command and control. As part of Bersama Gold 2021, a flypast and naval vessel display will be livestreamed on the Ministry of Defence's social media platforms on 18 October at 1200hrs (Singapore Time). The Naval vessel display will feature Australia's HMAS Canberra, Malaysia's KD Lekiu, New Zealand's HMNZS Aotearoa, Singapore's RSS Steadfast, and the United Kingdom's HMS Diamond.

6. The Bersama Gold 2021 exercise is an enlarged biennial Bersama Shield exercise but was renamed to Gold to reflect the 50th anniversary of the FPDA. The exercise is held mostly in the South China Sea between the coasts of Malaysia and Singapore, where participating nations will conduct anti-air and anti-submarine exercises, gunnery firings and maneuvering drills. Air forces from the FPDA member-nations will perform air defense exercises over the airspace of West Malaysia and support the maritime component in anti-submarine exercises; and this also marked the first field exercise for the FPDA since 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic reducing drills to command post exercises held virtually.

7. According to Euan Graham, the FPDA is the Cinderella of Southeast Asian defence engagements. Often overlooked as an anachronism, including in member countries, the FPDA’s understated value is well understood by officials and military professionals on the inside. The limited visibility of the FPDA within member countries is not a problem for as long as the political will exists to maintain it. Three significant issues that weigh on the FPDA’s long-term survival.

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One, the biggest risk in this regard is that Malaysia’s commitment to the FPDA wanes because of a lack of political support, due in part to ignorance of the arrangements.​

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Two, Malaysia and New Zealand have fallen so far behind Australia, the UK and Singapore that the FPDA is now a two-tier grouping in capability terms. Ostensibly, the FPDA is an even partnership across the five signatories. But militarily it is in danger of becoming the ‘3+2’ defence arrangements.​

​

Three, potential for enlargement periodically surfaces as a question for the FPDA. There is zero appetite for this from the two Southeast Asian members, who fear it will dilute the foundational commitment to defending Malaysia and Singapore. This conservatism competes in tension with the desirability of cross-bracing the FPDA to other countries and structures in the region.​

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

"Singapore finally, officially unveils its secret new naval craft"

Singapore finally, officially unveils its secret new naval craft

The Republic of Singapore Navy officially unveiled its new and stealthy naval craft called the Combatant Craft Large (CCL). Its development was kept secret until now. According to the Republic of Singapore Navy, the new CCL is a 26 m-long craft designed to be highly maneuverable and to achieve...

defence-blog.com

The new CCL is a 26 m-long craft designed to be highly maneuverable and to achieve high speeds, and armed with a stabilized 12,7 mm OTO Melara Remote Weapon System.

More information at Fact Sheet: Combatant Craft Large

 

[cdxbow]

"Singapore finally, officially unveils its secret new weapon"
Singapore Botanic Gardens otter attack: Man thought he was going to die (9news.com.au)
I'm not sure if the otters belong to the the RSN or the Army, but they appear effective. Keep those wimpy Brits out.

 

[optionsss]

anybody know what's the long square in front of the main 76mm gun on the LVM are for?

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

anybody know what's the long square in front of the main 76mm gun on the LVM are for?

Sorry, i have no idea.

Something about the Type 218SG.
Navyrecognition tells that German government has approved the delivery of one type 218SG submarine to Singapore. Actually weird that the approval is only given after construction of the first boat, and not during the signing of the contract.

Germany approves the delivery of one Type 218SG submarine to Singapor

The former German Merkel government has approved the delivery of one type 218SG submarine to Singapore. The deal was done under former German chancellor An

www.navyrecognition.com

But according to this site (based on information of militaryleaks) Singapore added one more Type 218SG on the orderlist. Is this true or a misunderstanding of the announcement in December 2021?

Singapura Tambah Pesanan Kapal Selam, Total Bakal Operasikan Lima Unit Type 218SG Buatan Jerman

Tanpa basa-basi, Singapura yang dikenal sebagai militer terkuat di Asia Tenggara menambah postur kekuatan armada kapal selamnya. Beberapa saat sebelum Angela Merkel menanggalkan jabatannya sebagai Kanselir, telah ada persetujuan dari Pemerintah Jerman untuk penjualan satu unit kapal selama Type...

www.indomiliter.com

 

[OPSSG]

But according to this site (based on information of militaryleaks) claims that Singapore added one more Type 218SG on the orderlist. Is this true or a misunderstanding of the announcement of 23 December?

Singapura Tambah Pesanan Kapal Selam, Total Bakal Operasikan Lima Unit Type 218SG Buatan Jerman

Tanpa basa-basi, Singapura yang dikenal sebagai militer terkuat di Asia Tenggara menambah postur kekuatan armada kapal selamnya. Beberapa saat sebelum Angela Merkel menanggalkan jabatannya sebagai Kanselir, telah ada persetujuan dari Pemerintah Jerman untuk penjualan satu unit kapal selama Type...

www.indomiliter.com

Singapore only placed orders for 4 Type 218SGs.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1475350728910594049

Mike Yeo, explains — it’s not a new sale as the article suggested but export clearance for the delivery of the RSS Invincible. Some in the media just mis-understood the final German export approval step for the 1st of the class of 4.

 

[OPSSG]

"Singapore finally, officially unveils its secret new weapon"
Singapore Botanic Gardens otter attack: Man thought he was going to die (9news.com.au)
I'm not sure if the otters belong to the the RSN or the Army, but they appear effective. Keep those wimpy Brits out.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1454797557687783425

On a less serious note, I suspect that Otters are trained by the NDU, for fights (so it’s the navy). There is a video of the Otters on a 2 sided water way exercise, as proof. Haha

 

[OPSSG]

anybody know what's the long square in front of the main 76mm gun on the LVM are for?

I suspect it is related to a future LO gun mount, if they decide to swap out the 2nd hand 76mm gun, with a new one. See photos of the FALAJ 2 class Patrol Vessel, for possible LO treatment.

 

[OPSSG]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1484692294280224768

With MSRV Sentinel and MSRV Guardian in service and prepared for ramming and boarding operations, the Singapore Navy ups it’s deterrence capabilities against grey zone activities and terrorist threats.

Keeping in mind that I am aware of a small well armed team of Malaysian special forces members (in civilian dress), was on board the intruding Malaysian Government vessel (anchored in Tuas port waters in the 2018 to 2019 period of tension), it pays to be prepared for an escalation of force, during operations against grey zone conduct.

In addition, the new toys for a layered response includes the new 26 metre long Combatant Craft Large & Combatant Craft Medium of the Naval Diving Unit (NDU) under the Special Operations Command Centre (is part of a wide-ranging effort to enhance its the ability to conduct counter-terrorism operations). Janes defence was first to report about this new NDU operated boat, back in Dec 2018.

With regard to SIN-Malaysia disputes in 2018 as a metaphor, some Malaysians decide what to eat based on the calorie/nutrition content of food. Some Singaporeans decide that based on what tastes good. Often, followers of Dr M are evaluating information for how much it will hurt PM Lee or whoever related to Singapore’s position — not whether what Dr M says in 2018 is factually accurate, but whether it will have the impact the Malaysians want. Those are two fundamentally different processes.

 

[optionsss]

I have a question about the STING EO Mk2 fire control radar for the formidable class, is it a gun control radar? Also, from the photos available did Singapore replace them with an optical control system or the other way around.

 

[ngatimozart]

I have a question about the STING EO Mk2 fire control radar for the formidable class, is it a gun control radar? Also, from the photos available did Singapore replace them with an optical control system or the other way around.

Why would you be wanting to know that? Singapore is usually closemouthed about its capabilities and we respect its OPSEC rules.

 

[optionsss]

Why would you be wanting to know that? Singapore is usually closemouthed about its capabilities and we respect its OPSEC rules.

really that's OPSEC?
you can see the difference between the ships with optical system and fcr from open source photo. also you can see ships change the fire control systems.

Some one should inform Singapore navy about seaforce.com

 

[optionsss]

so after some search found this, basically Singapore replaced the optic system with Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 FCR, it's for the main gun , also can use the radar to warn potential hostile aircraft they are being lit.

Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgra

Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR

www.navyrecognition.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

|"Key Features from company brochure:

- Range (Over the Horizon Engagement) : 290 km
- Fire & Forget and Fire Update – Fully automated mission planning and execution
- Datalink: Advanced Datalink
- Seeker: State-of-art Radar Seeker
- Payload: 150 kg high explosive intensive munition warhead
- Littoral and In-land strike: Capable of attacking targets near-shore in the littoral areas and in-land"|
Impressive for a first anti-ship missile. It seems to be developed together with IAI and Thales, but it is unclear for how many procent ST Engineering is involved in this project.

ST Engineering showcases Blue Spear ASM at Eurosatory 2022 - Naval News

Singapore's ST Engineering showcased its brand new "Blue Spear" ASM at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition held in Paris from June 13-17, 2022.

www.navalnews.com

 

[OPSSG]

First Flotilla at RIMPAC as at Sea Combat Commander for CTF 176

1. In other #RIMPAC2022 news, led by Commander First Flotilla COL Kwan Hon Chuong (as the Sea Combatant Commander of 8 warships), his command team plans, leads & directs the actions of warships from 7 nations, in complex & multi-dimensional warfare missions. The warships of the 7 nations led by COL Kwan are from Chile, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Singapore, Korea, & the US.

2. For the Singapore Navy, Commander First Flotilla in responsible for the fighting capability of 6 Formidable class frigates & 6 Victory corvettes (which will be replaced in the coming decade by the MRCV).

3. RSS Intrepid leads a CTF 176 task group of 8 warships of the 7 nations in the conduct of complex maritime exercise serials. In addition, the ship will fire a live Aster surface-to-air missile against a high-speed target during exercise RIMPAC 2022.

4. Korea Rear Adm. Sangmin An serves as the Commander of CTF 176, RIMPAC’s amphibious task force — Singapore’s Col. Kwan serves as the Sea Combat Commander for CTF 176, & Australia’s Capt. Michael Osborn CSM will serve as the Sea Logistics Commander, CTF 173. ROK Navy forces participating in RIMPAC 2022 include:

​

(a) the 14,500-ton ROKS Marado, 7,600-ton destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great, 4,400-ton destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great, 1,800-ton submarine ROKS Shin Dol-seok; &​

​

(b) a ROK Marine Corps amphibious assault company, the 59th Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, four ROK Navy UDT/SEAL teams, nine KAAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicles, two Lynx helicopters and 1,000 total personnel.​

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1547835504304918528

5. This #RIMPAC2022 press release does not tell you that Commander First Flotilla COL Kwan Hon Chuong (as the Sea Combatant Commander for CTF 176), reports to Rear Adm. Sangmin An of the Korean Navy (who serves as the overall Commander of CTF 176) — RIMPAC’s amphibious task force.

so after some search found this, basically Singapore replaced the optic system with Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 FCR, it's for the main gun , also can use the radar to warn potential hostile aircraft they are being lit.

Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgra

Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class Frigate at LIMA 2015 Upgraded With Thales STIR FCR

www.navyrecognition.com

Thanks for sharing.

 

[OPSSG]

Numerous specs & risk reduction efforts for the MRCVs are being finalised or made

1. I suspect that the risk reduction, selection and delivery of the Blue Spear missile capability for the Singapore Navy for the six MRCVs to be built starting around 2025 (to replace the Victory Class), has begun.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1569944761100009472

2. Did a down select for missiles to be used on the Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) occur? This is due to backdrop of the Singapore Navy’s Fleet 50 Dining-In photos in Dr Ng’s Facebook posts — it looks like an enlarged Vanguard 130 with bigger superstructures.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1571798579567824896

3. If Aster 30 and VL MICA NG selection for the MRCV has occurred, then it is likely the Sea Fire will be the radar system to beat (as DSTA did an analysis of alternative with the SPY-6).

 

[OPSSG]

BZ to USCG Cutter Midgett for joining MSRV Bastion in a passage exercise.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1570518365067948035

In Jan 2021, Singapore established its Maritime Security and Response Flotilla (MSRF) with two tug boats and 4 repurposed vessels, as follows:

• MSRV Sentinel
• MSRV Guardian,
• MSRV Protector
• MSRV Bastion

The MSRF is dedicated to protecting Singapore's territorial waters.

 

[OPSSG]

Post 1 of 3: Training with the RAN, other air forces & the army

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1573266892198154240

1. The Singapore Navy training with their counterparts in Australia at Ex Kakadu 2022, a biennial international engagement activity of the RAN. The exercise strengthened security & humanitarian cooperation with Australia’s regional partners through a series of training & engagement activities.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1573235727852109824

2. Simplistic Australian media reports on the significant air component of Ex Kakadu 2022 that involved 3 air forces — with footage of a low pass by fighters during the air warfare serial. The media reporting did not seem to understand that the F-15SGs get to practice their maritime strike role, supported by F-16D+s, for SEAD. Ideally, the German Eurofighter Typhoons would be in a OCA role to support the strike package.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1574273962804383744

3. The RAAF posting pictures of RSAF and
Luftwaffe aircraft taking part in Ex Kakadu 2022.

 

[OPSSG]

Post 2 of 3: Training with the RAN, other air forces & the army

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1573211321168179201

4. The Luftwaffe has a post on Ex Kakadu too.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1574330883728809984

5. Largest iteration of Ex Trident with over 1,600 personnel participating in this bilateral amphibious exercise between Australia and Singapore. In Ex Trident 2022, the RAN’s HMAS Adelaide (L01) and 2 Singapore Navy LPDs, RSS Persistence (209) & RSS Endurance (207) are taking part.