Singapore’s purchase of two new “state-of-the-art” submarines will give the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) greater flexibility in deploying its assets and in defending the country, said defence analysts.

When all four submarines are delivered, the RSN will be able to rotate their deployment, with one under maintenance, one in training, and two carrying out operations, said Dr Michael Raska from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). “This will give the navy greater submarine presence in the seas,” he told The Straits Times.

Maritime expert Collin Koh, also from RSIS, noted that it takes time to build up a world-class fleet, so such an expansion in numbers requires lots of planning ahead to achieve.