Second Archer-Class Submarine Returns to Singapore

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman, arrived at Changi Naval Base (CNB) from Sweden earlier today. Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers were present at CNB to witness its return.

Launched in Karlskrona, Sweden, on 20 October 2010, RSS Swordsman is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Västergötland-class submarines that Singapore acquired in 2005. Similar to RSS Archer, the RSN's first Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions. The crew of RSS Swordsman has also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2008 to acquire the skill sets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.


RSS Swordsman will join 171 Squadron, under the RSN's Fleet Command, to enhance the RSN's capability in securing the seaward defence of Singapore and protect our vital sea lines of communication.

Singapore and Indian Armies Conduct Artillery Exercise

A combined artillery live-firing was conducted by the Singapore and Indian armies during Exercise Agni Warrior 12 in Devlali, India.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian Army (IA) conducted the eighth bilateral artillery exercise, codenamed Exercise Agni Warrior, from 24 Nov to 8 Dec 2012 in Devlali, India. As part of the exercise, the two armies carried out a combined artillery live-firing. The exercise has enhanced mutual understanding and interoperability between the two armies.

Exercise Agni Warrior is conducted under the ambit of the Bilateral Agreement for Joint Army Training and Exercises between both armies. The Agni Warrior series of annual bilateral exercises underscores the warm defence ties between Singapore and India. Apart from bilateral exercises, the SAF and the Indian Armed Forces also interact regularly through visits, courses, seminars and other professional exchanges.

Vietnam-Singapore: dialogue on defense policy

The fifth dialogue on defense policy between Vietnam and Singapore took place from November 19 to 21 in Singapore.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh met with the Permanent Secretary of Singapore Ministry of Defence, Chang Chie Foo.

Both parties have sought to strengthen bilateral relations in defense to match the strategic partnership between the two countries, which will be signed in 2013.

On the regional situation, both parties agreed that it remains traditional security challenges such as non-traditional. They stressed that all parties should strive to promote friendship and cooperation to contribute to peace and stability in the world.

They stressed the importance of solidarity and unity among the ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the region, to limit outside influences that are capable of causing divisions intestine within ASEAN, and to strengthen the central role of ASEAN in multinational forums.

Regarding the East Sea, Vietnam and Singapore have found that the ASEAN members and other stakeholders must redouble their efforts to build trust, advancing peaceful measures to resolve disputes gradually based on transparency and respect international law including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties Orientatale Sea (DOC), and to develop in the short time a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Both parties agreed to strengthen their relations on various levels including the training of personnel, military medicine, the exchange of experiences of participation in international peacekeeping to peace.

The two countries also discussed cooperation in multilateral fora in the region, including the Conference of Defence Ministers of ASEAN (ADMM) and the enlarged conference of this event (ADMM +).

They unanimously stated that these forums whose potentials are important in terms of maintaining the principles of peace, stability, mutual respect, the central role of ASEAN, as well as respect for international law in relationships within this block as in those with non-member countries of ASEAN to solve problems when they arise. AVI-

Singapore and New Zealand navies conduct Exercise Lion Zeal 2012

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ships

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) are conducting a joint annual training exercise, Lion Zeal 2012, off the east coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

Hosted by the RNZN, Lion Zeal was established in 1999 and aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance interoperability, as well as professionalism between the two navies while maintaining regional security.

During the exercise, personnel will conduct operational planning and tactical drills in maritime operations, including a sea phase for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The bilateral exercise involves participation of RSN's Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Stalwart as well as RNZN's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) and RNZN replenishment tanker HMNZS Endeavour.

As well as performing professional exchanges in conventional operations at sea and onshore, the naval crew will also conduct anti-air and live firing exercises against a towed air target.

"Our navy's Anzac frigates are a valuable contributor to regional security, so it's important that we work seamlessly with other navies."

TE KAHA's commanding officer commander Jon Beadsmoore said: "I'm looking forward to testing ourselves and increasing interoperability between our two Navies."

"Our navy's Anzac frigates are a valuable contributor to regional security, so it's important that we work seamlessly with other navies."

Following completion of the exercise, TE KAHA is scheduled to undergo a modernisation programme that involves advanced technology upgrades in 2013, Beadsmoore said.

The RSN and the RNZN regularly conduct professional exchanges, visits and multilateral exercises, as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium.