Singapore to start negotiations for 4 Scorpene SSKs with France's DCNS

According to rumors (infosdefense.com), the Republic of Singapore Navy is about to start negotiations with France for the possible purchase of 4 Scorpene class SSKs. The deal could include transfer of technologies.

Contacted by Submariners World however, a DCNS source refused to comment on the rumors.

                         

According to rumors (infosdefense.com), the Republic of Singapore Navy is about to start negotiations with France for the possible purchase of 4 Scorpene class SSK. The deal could include transfer of technologies.

Scorpene class SSK of the Chilean Navy

                         

About Scorpene class SSKs:

Already chosen by the Chilean, Royal Malaysian, Indian and Brazilian Navies Scorpene-Family submarines represent the state-of-the-art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. Scorpene can be fitted with an optional MESMA AIP section.

- The MESMA (Autonomous Submarine Energy Module) is an electrical energy production module designed specifically for conventional submarines. As well as supplying electricity to the vessel and to the propulsion system, it can also be used to recharge the batteries without the need to surface. Together with a MESMA section, a Scorpene will be able to carry out extended missions with an over 3 weeks submerged endurance.

RSN Conducts Successful Missile Firing

The upgraded RSN missile corvette RSS Victory conducting the live-firing of Barak anti-missile missile during Exercise CARAT 2012.

 Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng (right), Fleet Commander RADM Lai Chung Han (centre) and USN Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific RADM Thomas F. Carney (left) witnessing the successful live-firing of Barak missile.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted a live-firing of the Barak anti-missile missile in the South China Sea earlier today as part of the 18th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise which Singapore is conducting with the United States. The missile was fired by the upgraded RSN missile corvette RSS Victory against an air drone target simulating an attacking profile. The target was successfully destroyed.

Commanding Officer RSS Victory Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Eric Tan Wei Hong said that the exercise was professionally valuable to both the RSN and the United States Navy. "The CARAT exercise allows personnel from both navies to work and interact closely with each other and this has also deepened our friendship and mutual understanding", said LTC Tan.  Commenting on the success of the missile firing, Weapon Systems (Control) Supervisor Military Expert 2 Jeyabal Sundaraju, who fired the Barak missile said, "the realism and tempo of the exercise has been a fruitful experience for me and my team onboard RSS Victory. Our training and preparation ensured that we were ready and we are glad that we have hit the target and achieved mission success."

The firing was witnessed by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng. Similar missile firings have been conducted in previous CARAT exercises. The exercise is presently ongoing and will conclude on 27 Jul 2012.