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  • Home
  • About RSIS
      • Introduction
      • Building the Foundations
      • Welcome Message
      • Board of Governors
      • Staff Profiles
        • Executive Deputy Chairman’s Office
        • Dean’s Office
        • Management
        • Distinguished Fellows
        • Faculty and Research
        • Associate Research Fellows, Senior Analysts and Research Analysts
        • Visiting Fellows
        • Adjunct Fellows
        • Administrative Staff
      • Honours and Awards for RSIS Staff and Students
      • RSIS Endowment Fund
      • Endowed Professorships
      • Career Opportunities
      • Getting to RSIS
  • Research
      • Research Centres
        • Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)
        • Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)
        • Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS)
        • Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
        • International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
      • Research Programmes
        • National Security Studies Programme (NSSP)
        • Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme
      • Future Issues and Technology Cluster
      • [email protected] Newsletter
      • Other Research
        • Science and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) (2017-2020)
  • Graduate Education
      • Graduate Programmes Office
      • Overview
      • MSc (Asian Studies)
      • MSc (International Political Economy)
      • MSc (International Relations)
      • MSc (Strategic Studies)
      • NTU-Warwick Double Masters Programme
      • PhD Programme
      • Exchange Partners and Programmes
      • How to Apply
      • Financial Assistance
      • Meet the Admissions Team: Information Sessions and other events
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      • Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers (APPSMO)
      • Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO)
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      • Terrorism Analyst Training Course (TATC)
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        • Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
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        • RSIS Publications for the Year
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      • Policy-relevant Articles Given RSIS Award
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    • Submarine Acquisitions in Southeast Asia: Problems and Prospects
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    Submarine Acquisitions in Southeast Asia: Problems and Prospects

    05 January 2016

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    Executive Summary

    1. The maritime domain, including the subsurface domain in the Asia Pacific is becoming increasingly complex. The numbers and capabilities of submarines operating in the region have increased.
    2. The deterrent value of submarines is a main motivation behind submarine acquisitions. The stealth advantage of submarines warrants a disproportionate response from surface forces and submarines are often said to act as a force multiplier for a small navy against a larger naval force.
    3. Other impetus behind submarine acquisitions in the region are also aplenty, including national prestige, desire to keep up with neighbouring countries. Modern submarines can be used for intelligence gathering in peace times, and sabotage operations in times of war.
    4. Problems with submarine acquisitions and operations exist, including high cost of acquisition and maintenance, lack of human capacity and navigation risks in operation.
    5. The increase in the numbers of submarines in the region has the potential to destabilise the strategic environment in the region. The nature of submarine operations increases the chances of accidental armed conflict and hinders maritime confidence building in the region.
    6. The lack of trust is the main inhibiting factor for cooperation on submarine safety in the region. Submarine operators should explore the various ways and means available to improve confidence building and facilitate the progression towards a regional protocol for submarine operations and rescue.
    Categories: Commemorative / Event Reports / Maritime Security / East Asia and Asia Pacific / Southeast Asia and ASEAN
    Related events: "Asian Navy Watch" Workshop Series by Maritime Security Programme, IDSS

    Last updated on 05/01/2016

    Executive Summary

    1. The maritime domain, including the subsurface domain in the Asia Pacific is becoming increasingly complex. The numbers and capabilities of submarines operating in the region have increased.
    2. The deterrent value of submarines is a main motivation behind submarine acquisitions. The stealth advantage of submarines warrants a disproportionate response from surface forces and submarines are often said to act as a force multiplier for a small navy against a larger naval force.
    3. Other impetus behind submarine acquisitions in the region are also aplenty, including national prestige, desire to keep up with neighbouring countries. Modern submarines can be used for intelligence gathering in peace times, and sabotage operations in times of war.
    4. Problems with submarine acquisitions and operations exist, including high cost of acquisition and maintenance, lack of human capacity and navigation risks in operation.
    5. The increase in the numbers of submarines in the region has the potential to destabilise the strategic environment in the region. The nature of submarine operations increases the chances of accidental armed conflict and hinders maritime confidence building in the region.
    6. The lack of trust is the main inhibiting factor for cooperation on submarine safety in the region. Submarine operators should explore the various ways and means available to improve confidence building and facilitate the progression towards a regional protocol for submarine operations and rescue.
    Categories: Commemorative / Event Reports / Maritime Security
    Related events: "Asian Navy Watch" Workshop Series by Maritime Security Programme, IDSS

    Last updated on 05/01/2016

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