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Republic of Singapore Navy
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History

See how we transformed from a volunteer force with just two wooden ships, to an advanced Navy with a global footprint.

Last updated 22 July 2025
Formation of Singapore Navy sailors during the flag-raising ceremony with the ensign flying.

Early years

The formative years of the Singapore Navy, from humble beginnings to early training.

Group of early Singaporean frogmen in diving suits, with a senior officer aboard a boat.

1971 - 1975

Key milestones from 1971 to 1975, including the formation of specialized units and significant naval acquisitions.

The RSS Jupiter, a Singapore Navy vessel, seen in the waters during a naval ceremony.

1976 - 1980

Key milestones from 1976 to the 1980s, including the first-ever sail across the Pacific, minesweeper arrivals, and the RSN’s strategic shift to securing vital sea lanes for Singapore’s economy.

Naval patrol boat cutting through water with crew visible on the deck.

1981 - 1985

Key events from 1981 to 1985, including the introduction of locally designed Coastal Patrol Crafts, revitalisation of RSN's capabilities, and the Navy's response to the Sentosa Cable Car Incident.

Aerial view of a missile gunboat sailing on the open sea with various antennas visible.

1986 - 1990

Key developments from 1986 to 1990, including upgrades to Missile Gunboats with Harpoon missiles, the expansion of the Naval Diving Unit's capabilities, and the introduction of the Victory-class missile corvettes.

Officers standing before a statue depicting naval personnel in action during a ceremony.

1991 - 1995

Key milestones from 1991 to 1995, including the opening of Tuas Naval Base, commissioning of Victory-class missile corvettes, acquisition of Challenger-class submarines, and the introduction of Mine Countermeasure Vessels.

Naval ship 57 speeding through the ocean with waves splashing beside it.

1996 - 2000

Key events from 1996 to 2000, including the commissioning of the Fearless-class patrol vessels, operational launch of Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and the arrival of the Challenger-class submarines and Endurance-class LSTs.

Unmanned surface vehicle cruising in the water with advanced technology.

2001 - 2005

Key developments from 2001 to 2005, including the launch of the Formidable-class frigates, the opening of Changi Naval Base, humanitarian relief during the 2004 Tsunami, and the acquisition of Archer-class submarines.

RSN warship 68 cruising in open sea with a sleek modern design and advanced features.

2006 - 2010

Key events from 2006 to 2010, including the commissioning of the Formidable-class frigates, participation in the Rim of the Pacific exercise, deployment for counter-piracy, and Singapore's leadership in Combined Task Force 151.

Group of uniformed personnel pose in front of a military helicopter.

2011 - 2015

Key milestones from 2011 to 2015, including the commissioning of Archer-class submarines, deployments for counter-piracy, the search for AirAsia flight QZ8501, and the opening of the Submarine Training Centre.

Three warships on the ocean, two close, one further away.

2016 - Today

Key milestones from 2016 to today, including RSS Steadfast’s leadership in RIMPAC 2016, the commissioning of Littoral Mission Vessels, the RSN's Golden Jubilee, and the launch of the Invincible-class submarine.