The Republic of Singapore Navy Decommissions Final Two Challenger-class Submarines RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain

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

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) decommissioned the final two Challenger-class Submarines RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on 25 Nov 2024. Officiated by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, the ceremony marked the final handing over of duties from the Challenger-class Submarines to the Invincible-class Submarines. 

The Challenger-class submarines were ex-Royal Swedish Navy’s Sjoormen­-class submarines and entered service with the RSN in the 1990s. RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain were commissioned by then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam on 22 July 2000 and 24 August 2002 respectively. The Challenger-class submarines, together with RSN’s pioneer submariners who were also trained in Sweden, played an invaluable role in our journey towards developing a submarine operating capability. Over the years, the submarines have fulfilled their mission of safeguarding Singapore’s maritime interests and territorial integrity through numerous operations at sea. They also advanced Singapore’s defence relations by participating in bilateral and multilateral exercises.

Fleet Commander RADM Kwon Hon Chung, who delivered the citations at the decommissioning ceremony, paid tribute to the two boats and the generations of its crew. He said, “RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain’s achievements are a testament to the unwavering resolve and courage of the RSN’s pioneer submariners, who laid strong foundations for the growth of 7th Flotilla and the RSN into a world-class submarine operating force. It was on board these submarines where we dived into the underwater domain some 29 years ago and overcame numerous challenges with the invaluable assistance from the Royal Swedish Navy. From these humble beginnings, the RSN’s pioneer submarines pushed the boundaries of submarining with the determination and tenacity, and today operate cutting-edge platforms confidently”. 

Launch of the Submarine Training School

At the sidelines of the ceremony, Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat also officiated the launch of the new Submarine Training School (STS). Named after RSS Challenger to remember the Challenger-class submarines, the launch of STS signifies a major milestone in the history of RSN’s local submarine training. The STS is a one-stop training facility that leverages technological advancements to enhance training realism, effectiveness and efficiency. The STS also features simulators where both individual and team training can be conducted in a safe environment incorporating realistic scenarios in a safe and efficient manner.

Present at the ceremony were past and present crew of RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, as well as senior RSN officers. 

The decommissioning pennant of RSS Chieftain being lowered.

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

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.