Singapore’s recent acquisition of advanced submarines has raised questions on whether the Republic is contributing to a defence arms race in the region. Defence analysts such as RSIS associate research fellow Zoe Stanley-Lockman and research fellow Collin Koh said while it is likely regional purchases have factored into Singapore’s decision to upgrade its submarines, criticisms that Singapore has contributed, much less sparked, an arms race might not hold water. Dr Koh added, “For Singapore, which has put a high premium on credible conventional deterrence, having a submarine capability thus appears natural and well worth the expenses.”