Commanding Officer RSS Conqueror, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Tang Han Lin, Gallen presenting the jack, ensign, and commissioning pennant to the Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat at the decommissioning ceremony

The Republic of Singapore Navy bids farewell to RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, marking a historic transition to the next-generation Invincible-class submarines.

On 25th November 2024, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officially decommissioned its last two Challenger-class submarines, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, during a ceremony at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. The event, officiated by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, marked a significant milestone as the duties of the Challenger-class submarines were handed over to the advanced Invincible-class submarines.

The crew of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Challenger-class submarine RSS Chieftain lining the deck

Originally built as Sjöormen-class submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy, the Challenger-class vessels entered RSN service in the 1990s, with RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain being commissioned in 2000 and 2002, respectively, by then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam. These submarines, alongside RSN’s pioneer submariners who trained in Sweden, were instrumental in establishing Singapore’s submarine operational capabilities. Over their decades of service, they safeguarded Singapore’s maritime interests, participated in critical operations, and enhanced defence cooperation through bilateral and multilateral exercises.

At the ceremony, Fleet Commander RADM Kwon Hon Chung paid tribute to the submarines and their crews, highlighting their legacy:

The decommissioning pennant of RSS Chieftain being lowered

“RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain’s achievements are a testament to the unwavering resolve and courage of the RSN’s pioneer submariners. From humble beginnings, they laid the groundwork for the RSN’s transformation into a world-class submarine operating force. Today, we confidently operate cutting-edge platforms, building on the strong foundations laid by these submarines and their crews.”

Launch of the Submarine Training School

Fleet Commander RADM Kwan Hon Chuong, Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat, Commanding Officer Submarine Training School, RSS Challenger, LTC Tang Han Lim, Gallen, and Commander 7th Flotilla Colonel Fong Chi Onn (from left to right), at the launch of the Submarine Training School

The ceremony also saw the inauguration of the Submarine Training School (STS) by RADM Sean Wat. Named after RSS Challenger, the STS honours the legacy of the Challenger-class submarines while representing a leap forward in local submarine training capabilities. The facility integrates advanced technology to provide realistic, safe, and effective training for individuals and teams, using simulators to recreate complex underwater scenarios.

The event was attended by past and present crew members of RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, as well as senior RSN officers, highlighting the enduring impact of these submarines on the RSN’s evolution and its continued commitment to maritime security.

Source: MINDEF