The Archer Class Submarine

• Overview
• Facts

New Singapore Subs are Made in Sweden

The Archer class submarines are the newest class of diesel-electric submarines in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Originally launched as the Swedish Navy Västergöt-land class submarines HMS Hälsingland and HMS Väster-götland in 1986 and 1987, the two submarines were sold to Singapore in November 2005 under a programme named "Northern Lights". They were relaunched in June 2009 and October 2010 as RSS Archer and RSS Swordsman resp.

Fits perfectly

The Västergötland class, now Archer class, was designed and built as single-hull, double compartment submarines with X-type rudders, optimised to reduce noise and magnetic signature. Originally purpo-sed to operate in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea, the two Archer submarines are ideally suited for operation in Singapore waters, which have similar depth profiles.

The Northern Lights programme

The two submarines have undergone extensive modernisation at Kockums, known as the Northern Lights programme, which has been carried out in close cooperation with the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) in Singapore. Essentially all measures taken during the corresponding upgrade of the Swedish Södermanland class, have also been implemented on Archer. These modifications include the insertion of a new hull section with an air independent propulsion (AIP) system, and a new climate control system for use in tropical waters. This means that the new Singapore submarines will have longer submerged endurance and lower noise signature than before, enhancing their stealth capability and operational reach con-siderably.

Equipped with an advanced sonar system, the submarines are able to detect contacts at a farther distance; the torpedo system aboard also has a better target acquisition capability, allowing the submarines the ability to engage contacts at a farther range.

Page updated Thursday, October 28, 2010.