The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officially decommissioned its final two Challenger-class submarines, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, during a ceremony at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on November 25.
The event, officiated by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, marked the formal transition of submarine operations from the Challenger-class to the Invincible-class submarines.
The Challenger-class submarines, originally Sweden’s Sjöormen-class, joined the RSN fleet in the 1990s. They were commissioned by then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam on July 22, 2000, and August 24, 2002, respectively.
The decommissioning ceremony was attended by past and present crew members of the submarines, as well as senior RSN officers.
New Submarine Training School Named After RSS Challenger
Singapore also inaugurated the Submarine Training School (STS), named in honor of RSS Challenger. The STS aims to advance the RSN’s submarine training programs by utilizing advanced simulators and technology-driven solutions. This training facility is designed to enhance both individual and team training through realistic scenarios in a safe environment.