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Republic of Singapore Navy

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.

Last updated 22 July 2025

Fearless protectors

1996

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

The first Fearless-class patrol vessel (PV), RSS Fearless, was commissioned in 1996. Build and designed locally, the PVs took on the coastal defence role that was previously undertaken by the CPCs. The PVs is out deployed in daily patrols in the Singapore Strait and the waters surrounding Pedra Branca.

Far-seeing eyes

19 February 1997

A Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force flying over the sea.

19 February 1997 saw the full operational capability of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The MPAs provide the RSN task force and shore headquarters with a good wide-area sea situational picture. In war, they enable early detection and identification of enemy ships, allowing RSN ships to engage hostile ships well beyond the horizon. In peace, they are deployed for a range of missions such as search and locate and maritime surveillance operations. The MPAs are also equipped with the Harpoon missile, which gives them maritime strike capability.

Conquering new depths

2 May 2000

Officers standing on the deck of the RSS Conqueror submarine docked at a naval base.

Submarines are a key component of a balanced and capable Navy. The RSN's underwater capabilities took a major step forward with the acquisition of four Challenger-class submarines from Sweden in the 1990s. On 2 May 2000, RSS Conqueror became the first submarine to arrive home in Singapore.

Enter the giants

5 May 2000

Singapore naval officers standing in formation aboard a ship with the city skyline in the background.

On 5 May 2000, our first Endurance-class Landing Ship Tank (LST), RSS Endurance, entered service. Immediately after, it sailed out to circumnavigate the globe in four months. Through heavy seas and seven-metre high waves, it took part in the International Naval Review in New York during the journey. Over the years, the LSTs have been deployed for numerous operations – from peace support, counter-piracy and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.