The mission of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is to ensure the seaward defence of Singapore and protect its vital sea lines of communication. In today's world, it means defending Singapore and Singapore's interests against threats both near and afar. Close to Singapore, the RSN defends against maritime security threats, while further afield, the RSN ensures our critical access to sea lines of communication.
Singapore – A Maritime Nation
Singapore is a maritime nation. We are reliant on the sea for our survival and prosperity. Without the sea, our way of life will be disrupted. The sea plays a part in our day-to-day life, every day – from the strength of our economy to the food we consume.
The Sea – A Global Commons
One of the elements for global trade to thrive is free and open access to the sea. However, consensus on a set of rules that everyone abides by is essential to keep the seas open. Mare Liberum, or "freedom of the seas" is underpinned by the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Continued stability and prosperity depends on working with like-minded nations to preserve this shared space through agreed rules such as UNCLOS. Without rules and norms, shared spaces such as the maritime space will break down.
RSN – Defending Our Every Day
The RSN works with national agencies and international partners to ensure that all users can continue to access the sea unimpeded. At home, we deter and neutralise security threats, including maritime terrorism, together with other national agencies as part of the whole-of-government National Maritime Security System. We also contribute to regional and international maritime security efforts through initiatives such as the Malacca Straits Patrol and the Information Fusion Centre, and exercises such as the ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise, the ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise and Western Pacific Naval Symposium Multilateral Sea Exercise. In addition, the RSN commits to international security efforts and deploys to waters further afield to keep sea lines of communication open, such as through multinational counter-piracy operations under Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in the Gulf of Aden. It is only when sea lanes remain open across the world that Singapore can continue to thrive as a maritime nation.