TODAY
08 May 2017
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Greater National Security Role Ahead for the Navy as It Turns 50
Greater National Security Role Ahead for the Navy as It Turns 50
Rising from a spartan fleet with two wooden ships into a modern maritime force in the span of 50 years, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is set to play an even more important national security role going ahead given growing global trade and ongoing maritime disputes, defence analysts say.
“Safe and secure access to the global maritime commons are needed for Singapore’s continued prosperity and survival,” said Dr Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
The less visible role of the RSN compared to the army and the air force means that it is often being overshadowed by the other two branches of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
“There may be something in the perception of the army and air force as being the ‘sexier’ branches of modern militaries today. This perception doesn’t do justice to the RSN ,” said Dr Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow at RSIS.
As challenges such as maritime terrorism could often be transnational in nature, a multilateral approach to tackling them should be adopted over a unilateral one.
“The RSN will need to work with its friends and partners, at home and abroad. An effective response will ensure that the RSN plays a critical role in securing our maritime nation in the years ahead,” said Barry Desker, a distinguished fellow at RSIS.
IDSS / Print / Online
