This is a discussion on RSN capabilities within the Navy & Maritime forum, part of the Global Defense & Military category; Singapore To Join Anti-Piracy Mission: Minister
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
SINGAPORE - Singapore will send a navy transport ship and two ...
Singapore To Join Anti-Piracy Mission: Minister
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
SINGAPORE - Singapore will send a navy transport ship and two helicopters to support multinational anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden area, the defense minister said Feb. 11.
Teo Chee Hean told parliament that the Southeast Asian city-state - which has one of Asia's most modern armed forces - will send a landing ship tank (LST) and two Super Puma helicopters.
He said they will work with the new international counter-piracy task force, known as CTF-151, operating in and around the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The minister did not give a date for the Singapore contingent's deployment.
On Feb. 10 the U.S. Navy, which currently leads the CTF-151, said it had arrested seven suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden, the first time the task force has apprehended suspected pirates since its formation a month ago.
Singapore has also sent LST vessels to waters near Iraq to support coalition forces there.
China has already sent naval forces to the Gulf of Aden, and Japan's defense minister said recently his country's navy may be deployed as part of the anti-piracy operations as early as March.
Pirates attacked more than 130 merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden last year, an increase of more than 200 percent on 2007, according to the International Maritime Bureau, which tracks piracy and shipping security issues.
I assume the Singapore Navy will deploy with the usual USVs and landing crafts. The Endurance Class are LPDs (or landing platform docks). These 8,500 ton vessels (when fully loaded) have 2 helicopter landing pads and a hanger. There is also well-dock at the rear of the vessel. I expect the vessels to deploy with 150 to 180 naval and air force personnel.
posted by OPSG
Protector unmmaned surface vessels were deployed from the Endurance class Lpds during the Persian Gulf deployments. Not too sure about the Spartans. I am certain they will deploy them again. The pirates will be surprised when they see highly agile and armed sea robots talking to them. I guess it will also be a litmus test as per how effective these USVs will be in a littoral contest with pirates.
Protector unmanned surface vessels were deployed from the Endurance class LPDs during the Persian Gulf deployments. Not too sure about the Spartans. I am certain they will deploy them again. The pirates will be surprised when they see highly agile and armed sea robots talking to them. I guess it will also be a litmus test as per how effective these USVs will be in a littoral contest with pirates.
In the Feb 2009 issue of DTI, at pages 16 -17, they detail technology available to handle pirates, including USV technology, which will make armed patrols more cost effective and persistent. Helicopters have good range but have persistence and patrol cost issues.
In this respect, the RSN will be able to make a meaningful contribution to CTF-151 via the use of USVs. While the deployment of the Endurance Class LPDs do not generate as much excitement (as the high end naval vessel deployments from the other navies), they are versatile vessels and well suited for tackling the problem of pirates.
I would expect to see the operational deployment of the Spartan Scouts (for the first time in a pirate hunting role) in multiple vessel USV patrols, so that our allocated sector will be well covered. The Spartan Scout is a 7-11 metre USV capable of carrying payloads of up to 5,000 pounds (for the 11-metre version), which is potentially more suited to deploy in pirate hunting packs. I would expect the helicopters to serve as a supplementary patrol role. This will reduce the amount of risk faced by the NDU boarding teams, and save the use of the NDU operators only in the close in phase. Otherwise, it is really hard work for the NDU boarding teams.
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, on 12 Feb 2009 provided further details of RSN's efforts to deter both piracy and terrorism. The RSN has been a busy with round-the-clock patrols and last year escorted 1,900 merchant ships carrying sensitive cargo in the Singapore Strait. Accompanying Sea Security Teams, comprising Navy and Coast Guard armed sea marshals, last year boarded and accompanied 1,100 selected vessels using Singapore’s ports. I did not realise the amount of work being shouldered by the RSN.
Further, with the expiry of the UN mandate for deployments in Iraq, our deployments in Iraq will end. Again I was shocked by the numbers. Over the past five years, 998 SAF Servicemen (the majority of which are from the RSN) , some of whom have served multiple tours, have contributed to the multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
In 2009 one of the Formidable class frigates will have to be deployed to San Diego for seahawk integration training by the USN (which will give new capabilities to the RSN). I hope the RSN is not over stretched.
Last edited by OPSSG; February 15th, 2009 at 11:48 AM.
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, on 12 Feb 2009 provided further details of RSN's efforts to deter both piracy and terrorism. The RSN has been a busy with round-the-clock patrols and last year escorted 1,900 merchant ships carrying sensitive cargo in the Singapore Strait. Accompanying Sea Security Teams, comprising Navy and Coast Guard armed sea marshals, last year boarded and accompanied 1,100 selected vessels using Singapore’s ports. I did not realise the amount of work being shouldered by the RSN.
More vessels were checked if you consider checks by Customs Marine and the ICA. In fact, Customs Marine and ICA have been checking and boarding ships in Singapore`s ports for decades. Same with the Marine Police then before they were reorganized into the more glamorous Coast Guard.
In this respect, I would expect to see the operational deployment of the Spartan Scouts (for the first time in a pirate hunting role) in multiple vessel USV patrols, so that our allocated sector will be well covered. The Spartan Scout is a 7-11 metre USV capable of carrying payloads of up to 5,000 pounds (for the 11-metre version), which is potentially more suited to deploy in pirate hunting packs.
Professional observers like Sunho Beck, writing in Aviation Week (1 Oct 2007), have said that the G550 Compact Early Warning aircraft (CAEW) can detect fighter sized targets up to 370 km away (i.e see well beyond KL, when flying in Singapore airspace) and carries unique dual-band, phased-array radar with 2 L-band side antennas and 2 S-band end antennas which are connected to a common radar unit. The system software has been optimised by DSTA and the local defence industry. The G550 fly as high as 41,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 9 hours. The CAEWs are acquired to replace the E2C Haweye, first purchased and delivered in 1987 to counter the threat of low flying Soviet Mig-23 fighter bombers based in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.
Therefore, I can see why you are confused, as these observers were focusing on the aircraft early warning capabilities of the G550 CAEW aircraft.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yahoo!
This is the first time I am hearing about the G550, but these are AEW, so it should be replacing the RSAF's E2C isnt it? Not sure if it is useful to the RSN?
Please watch the video posted earlier, as there is very little open source information on the capability spectrum of the G550 CAEW. If should become clear that the G550 CAEW's ability to manage surface clutter and provide a look down picture stand it in good stead to assist in providing a clearer picture to the RSN.
So the G550 CAEW is much more than a replacement of the RSAF's E2C block zero aircraft.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yahoo!
I am also not a firm believer of unmanned systems.
IMHO, augmentation of existing manned platforms via unmanned systems is the immediate wave of the future (I have provided information on these developments). Please consider reading the links provided and providing an informed response. It would be more fun to engage in a discussion that way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yahoo!
If they are really so good, all the militarizes in the world would have to shut down...
We are some time away from using unmanned systems (like the robots in the "Clone Wars" cartoon series) to replace the military.
Last edited by OPSSG; February 25th, 2009 at 04:09 AM.
@Red, I would like to see pirates trying to dodge Spike-ER missiles... but I think guns would be cheaper (just bullet costs)... hehe
Sorry about the noob question and I have been meaning to ask... The project name is A26 right?
With regards to the Spikes, you are spoiling the fun. Oh well. Guns are just as good as any.
Yes. I was talking about the A26 subs. Sorry for the typo. Now, Im not sure what is the progress currently. Alternatively, RSN would probably go German though they are under one company now.
But I have no doubt we will see an annoucement soon on the Challenger replacements. They will augment the highly upgraded Vastergotlands(AIP equipped). My personal speculation would be around 4 new generation subs(with possible options for two more) and add that to the improved Vastergotlands for a total of 6 submarines like the majority of the RSN squadrons.
The threat scenario has changed since we last bought and heavily modified the Challengers and it will continue to change. Submersible operations will become common in South East Asia. The construction of RSN`s submarine rescue ship and rescue submersible is a testament to the new environment in South East Asia and a possible indicator of RSN`s ambitions.
Professional observers like Sunho Beck, writing in Aviation Week (1 Oct 2007), have said that the G550 Compact Early Warning aircraft (CEAW) can detect fighter sized targets up to 370 km away (i.e see well beyond KL, when flying in Singapore airspace) and carries unique dual-band, phased-array radar with 2 L-band side antennas and 2 S-band end antennas which are connected to a common radar unit. The system software has been optimised by DSTA and the local defence industry. The G550 fly as high as 41,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 9 hours. The CAEWs are acquired to replace the E2C Haweye, first purchased and delivered in 1987 to counter the threat of low flying Soviet Mig-23 fighter bombers based in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.
Radar range has been quoted to be in excess of 400km.
They fly further and fly higher as well. But i think one of the chief reasons as per why RSAF went for the Phalcon CAEWs is because of its ability to operate extremely well in the littoral marine environment and over cluttered, crowded and confined land areas effectively and simultaneously.
Israel has effectivey used them over Gaza where it effectively tracked and identified numerous friendly and enemy positions, friendly aircraft and UAVs, friendly and enemy fire, extremely small projectiles(small rockets/pin-pointing thier launch positions for immediate counter arty/aerial attack), etc. In addition, they have the capability to track ballistic missile launchers which is something good for the future.
The other reason is that Singapore`s DSTA would have access to the radar mechanics and software thanks to our close friend, Israel. It has been reported that RSAF`s current E-2c AEW`s radar codes were heavily modified and altered by Singapore`s DSTA. I assume Singapore got the permission from the US.
Aviationweek(DTI) has just revealed that customers can also opt to add powerful SAR radars to the CAEWs so that the aerial system acts as a powerful SAR platform ala UK`s Astor as well with a large range.
It is speculative currently if the RSAF has opted to include such a capability though it would be highly advantageous and likely.
This was just announced. The 6 Victory class ships will undergo a life extension/upgrade program and this is an indicator that the class in its last stretch of usage similar to the old Sea-wolf class before thier retirement. This will allow the class to be used and continue be relevant till around 30 years old(2019-2020)(Sea-wolf class ships were retired around that age) whilst a new class of ship is being built and commissioned next decade. It will probably be retired at the end of the next decade.
Im not sure what the upgrades will be? Space is not exactly a luxury on the Victory ships. Perhaps, new sensors? New weapons? Im speculating that they might add a Typhoon gun at the rear? Victory class armaments are as follows;
1 75mm OTO Melara Super Rapid
8 Harpoon anti-surface missiles
16(in 16 vls launchers) Barak anti-air missiles(10km range)(Is it true that Barak could also be used in an anti-ship role for small vessels?)
Eurotorp A244-S Mod 3 torpedoes
CIS 50 12.7 mm machine guns
Nice site about the Victory class ships(first ship was built in Germany and subsequent ships were built in Singapore. Also, I think ST Marine bought the design as it currently marketed by St Marine as well ?);
See the Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean's speech (link previously provided) on 12 Feb 2009 for plans to upgrade the Victory Class (no further details on type of upgrade - leaving us to speculate) & the planned deployment news.
Why did MINDEF deploy them to the Endurance LPD then enroute for Gulf of Eden?
What do you mean? Helicopters would come in handy in such a deployment.
Quote:
Are there plans to re-equip the Super Pumas and the LPD to enhance their
weapons arsenal?
I dont know. I think they fare pretty well currently.
The Endurance class LPDs are armed with a 75mm Super Rapid gun per ship, mistral missiles and machine guns.
Wow, all Formidable class vessels, 3 Victory Class vessels and 1 Endurance Class vessel training together in the South China sea against surface threats, air threats and underwater threats, with F-16s and other assets acting as enemy.
Nothing surprising for blue water navies but a big step forward for the RSN.
...SOUTH CHINA SEA: The Singapore navy's six radar-evading stealth frigates demonstrated their firepower in their first major naval exercise yesterday. The frigates, taking part in a two-day, 800-man exercise in the South China Sea, were joined by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The frigates were among the 'blue', or friendly, vessels - which included three missile corvettes, one Landing Ship Tank and a submarine - that crippled opposing 'red' forces...
During yesterday's drill, the frigates were key assets, or 'mother ships', that hammered the red forces. They torpedoed the aggressor's submarine, fired Harpoon missiles at ships and 'splashed' hostile planes with anti-aircraft missiles. The 'search, strike and defence' exercise ended at 6 am today.
Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong said the frigates are the 'principal nodes that link and orchestrate' all air and sea assets to dominate the battlefield. Besides the big guns of the stealth warships, other 'shooters' that were plugged into the same combat picture were two F-5 Tiger jets. Their coordinated assault took down four 'hostile' F-16 fighter jets quickly and precisely.
RADM Chew said that men and machines were put through their paces to sharpen their fighting skills. Such shakedowns are vital to the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) transformation into a more lethal third-generation fighting force.
Sensors like the E-2C surveillance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, too, are critical in spotting hostile targets. They act as 'eyes and ears', feeding intelligence and allowing the frigates, which have detection capabilities of their own, to see further, higher and deeper, said Colonel Giam Hock Koon, 41, who commands the six frigates of the 185 Squadron.
Speaking to reporters on board the RSS Steadfast, he said: 'Even if there are more than 20 aircraft coming from different directions, our computers can quickly tell the red from the blue forces, and immediately identify the highest-priority threat to shoot down...
The DSTA developed Fleet Instrumented Sea Training System (FISTS) should have been in use to enable realistic training for the air picture.
Last edited by OPSSG; February 19th, 2009 at 02:42 AM.
The following platforms were involved in the exercise;
6 Frigates(Aster 15s/30s, Harpoons, Torps, 76 mm SR gun,etc)
3 Heavy Missile Corvettes(Baraks, Harpoons, Torps, 76mm SR gun, etc)
1 LPD(Mistrals, 76mm SR gun, etc)
1 Submarine(Torps)
F16s( air to air missiles, harpoons, air to ground munitions etc)
F5S/Ts ( air to air missiles, air to ground munitions, etc)
Super Puma helicopters
E-2C Hawkeye AEW & C plane
Fokker-50 Maritime patrol plane/s(Harpoons and torps)
UAVs(Searcher 2? Hermes ?)
USVs(Protector? Spartan?)(guns/missiles/torps)
It was not just a show of the frigates' capabilities but a show of force in Asean quite literally. There`s enough firepower there to cripple whole Asean navies and airforces. I would expect some sudden diplomatic Qs as per what was going on when Singapore`s neighbours suddenly realized the magnitude of the exercise.
It also showcased RSN`s and RSAF`s high network capabilities as the sensor and shooter platforms are put to the test in a wargame.
Last edited by Red; February 19th, 2009 at 06:37 PM.
Guns are just as good as any. 
