Singapore decommissions last two Challenger-class submarines
RSS Chieftain being decommissioned. (Photo: Singapore Ministry of Defence)
RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain were retired on 25 November, marking the end of the first era of Singaporean submarines.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has retired its last two Challenger-class submarines, heralding their official replacement by the new Invincible class.
The two last Challengers, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, were decommissioned in a ceremony held at Changi Naval Base on 25 November.
The Singapore Ministry of Defence paid tribute to the work of the two Challenger-class vessels in developing Singapore’s submarine operating capability.
Related Articles
Singapore receives first Invincible-class submarine
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
Singapore commissions first pair of Type 218SG submarines
At the decommissioning ceremony, Fleet Commander RAdm Kwon Hon Chung said: “RSS Conqueror’s and RSS Chieftain’s achievements are a testament to the RSN’s pioneer submariners, who laid strong foundations for the growth of 7th Flotilla and [turned] the RSN into a world-class submarine operating force.”
He also paid tribute to the Royal Swedish Navy for its help in starting up Singapore’s submarine programme in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Invincible class is made up of four submarines, ordered in two batches in 2013 and 2017. All four vessels have now been launched and the first two, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were commissioned in September 2024.
The Invincible-class 218SG submarines represent the first time the RSN has procured entirely new boats, as the Challenger-class vessels were Royal Swedish Navy Sjoorman-class submarines before they entered service with the RSN in the early 2000s. The Invincible-class vessels are regarded as the first in a new generation of Singaporean submarines.
Underlining this new generation of capabilities, the decommissioning of the last two Challenger-class submarines was the occasion for the launching of a new submarine training school in Singapore.
Named after RSS Challenger, the school will use modern simulators to put trainee submariners in realistic scenarios for both individual and team training sessions.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Invincible Class (Type 218SG) (1-4) [Singapore]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
