The newly-launched submarine, RSS Conqueror, will enter Singapore waters next year, marking another chapter in the navy's development of a new capability.
The submarine crew members are being trained in Sweden now and training is progressing well, said Second Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who witnessed the successful firing of a torpedo by one of the crew.
It scored a direct hit against a target ship on Thursday.
Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo said the Republic of Singapore Navy was looking eagerly to the RSS Conqueror's homecoming.
"The infrastructure, maintenance and support facilities ate now in place in Singapore and will be ready to support the operations by the time RSS Conqueror arrives," he said.
It was reported earlier that all four submarines were expected to be operational by 2001 or 2002, and that they were expected to be based at the new naval base being built in Changi.
Giving an update on the Navy's submarine programme, Rear-Adm Teo said the refurbishment of the first submarine, the RSS Challenger which was launched in September 1997, had been completed.
Work on the other submarines and crew training were also on schedule.
The refurbishments were being undertaken by the Swedish submarine manufacturer Kockums. And RSN personnel were undergoing training with the Royal Swedish Navy.
They and their families together come to about 100 Singaporeans in Sweden now. They are based at Karlskrona in the south-east coast of Sweden.
On the need for the submarines, Rear-Adm Teo said that the Asian economic crisis had taken its toll on many countries and, in some cases, with serious consequences for political stability and security.
"In such uncertain times, Singapore has to be even more alert and prepared to handle any contingency that may arise.
"That is why Singapore is committed to building it defence capability to deter threats to its security and, should deterrence fail, to have the capability to act decisively."
Acquiring submarines also fits in with Singapore's time-tested defence strategy of exploiting technology as a force multiplier to compensate for its limited manpower resources.
They provide more combat capability per man.
"Submarines thus have the potential to form a key component of the republic of Singapore Navy's overall strategy of building a balanced, capable and technologically advanced navy."
(taken from The Straits Times, 29/5/99)