In terms of audio-visual
coverage, submarine wise IMDEX ASIA 2023 in Singapore May 3-5, it appears submarine sellers didn't turn up in force.
Yet the Exhibitor List does include SAAB, Naval Group and TKMS. Did they display submarines?
I did notice Spanish Navantia S-80 submarine, in this alledged 2023 video, but that S-80 model may be from an earlier IMDEX ASIA.
Also at another 2023? display, probably by TKMS, 24 seconds in I see 2 submarine models (maybe a Type 209 and 214?), see them at the lower left corner.
Singapore may not be receiving its 4 Invincible-class subs at the rapid rate of “all four submarinesin active service by 2024” There may be at least one, RSS Impeccable, by August 2023.
6 comments:
Hi Pete,
Unrelated to the topic but in the overall subject of Singaporean/South-East Asian affairs:
Ray Powell over on Twitter seems to be following Chinese military, militia & Coast Guard activities in the South China Sea region by tracking AIS data. It appears the Chinese vessels were involved in 'monitoring' of the ASEAN-India naval exercises (co-hosted by Singapore) taking place in the area.
https://twitter.com/GordianKnotRay/status/1655341809692975104
The situation has evolved since that first post, so it might warrant following the updates from Mr. Powell's account.
An article on the subject:
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3219866/south-china-sea-asean-india-drills-stalked-chinese-maritime-militia-sources-say
Cheers
Thanks Gessler re AUKUS Submarine Security
So much to read on superpower China's tentacles extending to all countries and waters.
My preference is reading about their submarines and spies - preferably issues combining both.
Like how Chinese intelligence is trying to find cracks in the security shield protecting AUKUS submarine secrets. A topic ASIO is also interested in.
See mentions of AUKUS in https://www.asio.gov.au/director-generals-annual-threat-assessment-2023 namely:
"As we progress AUKUS, it’s critical our allies know we can keep our secrets, and keep their secrets."
and
"Since the announcement of AUKUS, there’s been a distinct uptick in the online targeting of people working in Australia’s defence industry."
Regards Pete
Hi Pete,
Hope you have been well. The biggest news at IMDEX was the Republic of Singapore Navy’s announcement of the MRCV project, with the first ship delivered by 2028.
Considering the Formidable class frigates displace around 3,200 tons, the MRCVs have been estimated to weigh 10,000 tons. Systems should include SEAFIRE multifunction radar, Aster SAMs, various USV, UUV and UAVs.
Iver Huitfeld
I once mentioned to you that I had an outside bet that the RSN would choose the Type-26 design, but there are unconfirmed rumours (based on the CGI video the RSN released) that the MRCV will be a derivative of the Danish Iver Huitfeld design (which was the base design for the Type-31).
Indonesia has six FREMM and two Type-31 on order.
Oh and submarine new.. the second of the Type-218SG, RSS Impeccable, was just loaded on a transporter.. but the Twitter posts that I was gonna refer you to were taken down as I was composing this message to you..
Hi Shawn C at 5/23/2023 6:11 PM and 5/24/2023 5:01 AM
Thanks for asking – my health is OK.
Singapore jumping from 3,200 tonne Formidables fo 10,000 tonne MRCVs begs the question why such a country of small area and population needs such large, presumably long range, ships? Is it a case of having a smaller number of superior MRCVs to Indonesia’s 2021 order for more numerous frigates ie. 6 new FREMM frigates, 2 Type 31 variants of the Iver Huitfeldt pattern and 2 used Maestrale-class frigates?
Might Singapore aim to contribute to a multinational fleet allied to the US against China one day?
Good news about RSS Impeccable (the second Invincible-class/Type-218SG) being loaded onto heavy load carrier "Rolldock Storm" in Kiel on May 18, 2023. Presumably after 3 weeks or so RSS Impeccable will be in Singapore.
Cheers Pete
Hi Pete,
Singapore is 'friend to all', though it buys Western European and American weapons systems because we can now afford 'best in the world' systems, though the infantry is still carrying around Ultimax 100 mk3 SAWs that were made in the 1980s.. just announced the Colt IAR as a replacement.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/singapore-selects-colts-iar-as-new-section-automatic-weapon
Anyway, back to the 'Friend to all' philosophy.. Singapore openly participates in military exercises with many countries, and there was a naval exercise with the PLAN in late April, followed by the ASEAN-India exercise - which saw seven ASEAN navy's participate - sailing from Singapore to Subic Bay.
IMDEX 2023 had 223 exhibitors - One from China, and the 25 warships that attended the event included an Italian PPA and a PLAN frigate and minesweeper. Interestingly, high-level visitors to Singapore during this period include:
Defense ministers of Australia and Malaysia
Naval Chiefs of Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and Malaysia (FPDA)
Chief of Staff, Indian Navy
Chief of Navy, Germany
Highest rank PLAN officer during the period was a senior captain, roughly O-6.
https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases
Singapore's relations with our neighbour Indonesia are actually cordial, we rarely have issues with them, and in fact just finialised a dispute about FIR - Singapore has international flight management over the Natuna and Riau islands. (https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-indonesia-apply-to-icao-for-approval-on-airspace-realignment)
The two navies cooperate with joint Malacca Straits patrol, and Indonesia has to cover a lot more water than Singapore, especially the Celebes Sea and Philippines Sea.
The MRCVs are most obviously designed for persistent wide area surveillance, and Singapore's priority has always been keeping in SLOC open. The greater range of the Type 218SG will add to this...
Thanks Shawn C at 5/24/2023 9:06 PM
I'll turn your comment into an article, especially about Singapore Naval concerns.
Cheers Pete
Post a Comment