The Singapore Navy has launched its first Archer Class submarine, RSS Archer at the Kockums Shipyard in Karlskrona, Sweden.

Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Teo Chee Hean said that the Archer Class submarines along with the navy’s six stealth frigates and naval helicopters which are yet to embark will undergo advanced operations to secure critical sea routes and maintain regional peace and stability.

The new submersible warship is one of two ex-RSwN Vaastergotland Class submarines acquired by Singapore in 2005.

RSS Archer will participate in sea trials and is expected to come back in 2010.