Challenger-class submarine
Republic of Singapore Navy class (1997–2024)
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The Challenger class was one of the submarine classes of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). They were extensively modernised versions of the former Sjöormen-class submarines. Challenger and Centurion were retired in 2015,[1] while Conqueror and Chieftain were retired in 2024.[2]
RSS Chieftain | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Kockums |
| Operators |  Republic of Singapore Navy |
| Succeeded by | Archer class |
| Completed | 4 |
| Active | 0 |
| Retired | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Diesel-electric Attack submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 50 m (164 ft 1 in) |
| Beam | 6.1 m (20 ft 0 in) |
| Draught | 5.1 m (16 ft 9 in) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Complement | 23 |
| Sensors & processing systems | FAS |
| Armament |
|
History
In 1995, the RSN acquired a refurbished Sjöormen-class submarine from the Swedish Navy, followed by another three in 1997.[3] It is believed that the Challenger class were purchased to develop the required submarine operations expertise before selecting a modern class of submarines to replace them, as all the boats were over 50 years old.[4]
| Ship Name | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSS Challenger (ex-HSwMS Sjöbjörnen) | 26 September 1997[5] | 2000s | retired on 11 March 2015 |
| RSS Conqueror (ex-HSwMS Sjölejonet) | 28 May 1999[5] | 22 July 2001[5] | retired on 25 November 2024[2] |
| RSS Centurion (ex-HSwMS Sjöormen) | 28 May 1999[5] | 26 June 2004[6] | retired on 11 March 2015 |
| RSS Chieftain (ex-HSwMS Sjöhunden) | 22 May 2001[5] | 24 August 2002[7] | retired on 25 November 2024[2] |
Modernisation
The Challenger-class submarines had undergone the Riken modernisation programme tailored to the specific operational conditions of the Singapore Navy. As the submarines were designed by the Swedish for operations in the Baltic Sea, various modifications were required to suit them to tropical waters. A comprehensive tropicalisation programme was carried out for all four submarines, which involved installing air conditioning, marine growth protection systems and corrosion-resistant piping.[8]