The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has received the first Archer Class submarine, RSS Archer, from Sweden following a thorough retrofit.

Acquired by Singapore in 2005, the RSS Archer vessel is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Vaastergotland Class submarines and has been upgraded for operational use in local conditions.

The crew of the submarine has also undergone training in Sweden to acquire the skills required to operate and maintain the vessel.

The RSS Archer submarine, which will join 171 Squadron, under the RSN’s Fleet Command, will upgrade the navy’s capability to defend the coasts of Singapore.

Designed and built by Kockums AB, the Archer Class submarines can operate in the shallow waters and are equipped with Stirling AIP engines which enable them to remain submerged for long periods and enhance the stealth capability.