01. RSS Singapura, one of two RSN bases and site of NAVEX 2024.
Navy Experience 2024 (NAVEX24) was hosted 9 to 10 November at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. The inaugural event, a new concept by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), ran by the theme ‘Embark on the Next Wave’. Members of the public who successfully balloted for tickets were guided on an educational and immersive experience: a windshield tour of RSS Singapura, a tour onboard one of the RSN’s Formidable-class frigates, a visit to the Singapore Navy Museum and concluding with a career exploration zone at the INVENT Campus. The experience served to highlight RSN’s operational readiness and capabilities, provide an outreach platform to engage with the public, and foster appreciation for the Navy’s role in safeguarding the nation’s water and strengthening global partnerships.
Windshield Tour (RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base)
The guided windshield tour, first stop of NAVEX24, gave visitor a rare glimpse of various facilities of RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.
RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base was officially opened on 21 May 2004. Located on the eastern end of Singapore and built on reclaimed land, the base includes modern features such as automated ammunition storage and indirect seawater cooling for air-conditioning. Changi Naval Base was given the current name RSS Singapura during the Navy’s Golden Jubilee celebrations on 15 May 2017. The name holds special significance for the RSN and is a reminder of its humble beginnings. It was at RSS Singapura that the Singapore Naval Ensign was hoisted for the very first time on 5 May 1967.
With 6.2 kilometres of berthing space, Changi Naval Base bears strategic and diplomatic significance. Apart from handling all types of ships in the RSN, the base is also a frequent port-of-call for foreign navy vessels for resupply, joint training exercises and maintenance. For example, the 1998 Addendum to the 1990 MoU Regarding the U.S Use of Facilities in Singapore allows for aircraft carriers (CVN) to stop over and for the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) to conduct rotational deployments from Changi Naval Base. The base also hosts the biennial IMDEX Asia, a showcase of the world’s naval elite and the finest fleet of maritime innovation.
RSS Panglima, Panglima meaning “commander” in Malay, is the RSN Naval Military Experts Institute (NMI) in Changi Naval Base. Facilities include a basic naval trainer, ship handling simulators, submarine steering and dive trainers, and training centres for power generation, propulsion and ship design.
Changi Naval Base also houses the Changi Command and Control Centre (CC2C). The CC2C plays host to the Information Fusion Centre (IFC), a regional Maritime Security (MARSEC) centre since 2009. 26 International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from 20 countries provide domain expertise and enhance information sharing to combat illegal activities and threats such as smuggling and piracy.
02. “Valour at Sea” sculpture at the entrance of RSS Singapura. The Navy Ensign represents a ship surging triumphantly through the waves and the gun crew symbolises the teamwork and valour of the Navy men at sea.03. RSS Panglima, RSN’s Naval Military Institute is conveniently located within the base. 04. The windshield tour reaches the highlight as visitors are taken through the berths to admire the various types of ships in RSN service. Pictured is RSS Endurance, a landing platform dock.05. Foreign navies are also welcome at Changi Naval Base. Pictured is Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy ROKS No Jeok Bong (LST-689). The embarked ROK Army 11th Manoeuvre Division recently concluded its first overseas joint training in Qatar. 06. USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10) on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Embarked on the flight deck is a MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter.07. The first public appearance of RSN’s Invincible-class submarine. 08. RSS Formidable (68), the first ship of the Formidable-class frigates, built by DCN in France.09. Left, RSS Formidable (68) and right, RSS Stalwart (72) were open to visitors for tours. 10. MSRV Sentinel (55). The Maritime and Security Response Vessels are modified Fearless-class patrol vessels which were built in the 1990s. Fenders on the hull were part of the modifications to facilitate coming alongside vessels of interest. 11. MSRV Protector (57). Visible features are the OTO Melara 76mm gun at the bow deck, the modular ballistic protection below the bridge, and the Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) above the nameplate. 12. The MSRVs also feature a Typhoon Mk-38 25mm naval gun as part of the modifications.13. Close-up of the OTO Melara 76mm, a common platform found on many of RSN’s ship types.
Formidable-class Frigate Tour
The second stop of NAVEX24 is a tour onboard either RSS Formidable (68) or RSS Stalwart (72), one of the region’s most advanced warships.
The Formidable-class frigate is a highly versatile and modern naval vessel renowned for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional capabilities. In the early 2000s, RSN awarded the contract to Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN, now Naval Group) for the design and construction of six frigates. These frigates were derived off the La Fayette-class of the French Navy, which were built in the 1980s to 1990s. The deal included technology transfer; the first frigate, RSS Formidable was built in Lorient, France and the remaining five were built locally in Benoi shipyard by ST Marine.
Effort has been taken to ensure the Formidable-class frigate retains a low Radar Cross Section (RCS) signature. The OTO Melara 76mm is enclosed within a stealth cupola, the RHIBs if carried are placed in the amidships area, and replenishment equipment are stowed behind curtains. With a suite of advanced weaponry and integrated Combat Management System, the frigate is able to excel in multiple roles: Anti-Air, Anti-Surface, Anti-Submarine and Electronic Warfare.
A crew of 72 (additional 19 with embarked air detachment) is sufficient with the highly automated systems onboard. The vessel is capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and range over 3,500 nautical miles. It is hence a vital asset for overseas missions such as RIMPAC, SIMBEX and the CTF-151 counter-piracy task force.
The Formidable-class frigates represent Singapore’s dedication in maintaining a Formidable naval presence in Southeast Asia and beyond, contributing to the nation’s security and its role in international maritime efforts. They are soon due for a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU), which will be performed progressively by ST Engineering Marine Ltd., the first completed by 2028.
14. The stealthy profile of RSS Stalwart, designed to reduce Radar Cross Section (RCS).15. RSN’s frigates are housed under the First Flotilla, which also coordinates with RSAF’s 123 Squadron for the integration of its S-70B Seahawk helicopters.16. Crew movement board of RSS Stalwart.17. The hanger space of RSS Stalwart is able to house a S-70B Seahawk helicopter and/or a ScanEagle UAV. 18. Amidships area. Visible on both sides are Mk-141 launchers for the RGM-84C Harpoon SSM; on the top is the housing for the Thales Herakles radar. The large area is also used for exercise and sports during the sailors’ free time.19. Also amidships are two B515/3 launchers for the Whitehead A244S fire-and-forget torpedoes, one on each side. Coupled with the ALOFTS towed sonar, sub-surface threats can be dealt with. 20. The main mast houses advanced systems such as the Elbit MSIS, the Terma Scanter 2001 navigational radar and the Rafael C-PEARL-M Electronic Support Measures (ESM) antenna. 21. Four eight-cell SYLVER A43/A50 Vertical Launch System (VLS) are installed forward of the bridge for MBDA Aster 15/30 Surface-to-Air (SAM) missiles. 22. Layout of the port wing of the bridge.23. Emergency helmsman station (EHS). Provides control of manoeuvring and propulsion system under emergency situations. 24. Portable Bridge Station (PBS) to facilitate conning of the ship during slip-off and docking.25. Port side workstation, part of the Integrated Bridge System (IBS). The workstation is duplicated on the starboard side, which allows for the rotation between different watches.26. Joytstick of the Integrated Bridge Console (IBC), which allows for the monitoring of FLIR and TV sensors. 27. Engine order telegraph, also part of the IBC.28. The navigational system integrates GPS and AIS information, complying with SOLAS regulations.29. Lighting control panel. Appropriate lights based on COLREG prevents collisions at sea.30. Electronic chart of the Changi Naval Base vicinity.31. Workstation of the Typhoon 25mm gun.32. Overview of the modern and streamlined bridge layout of the RSS Stalwart.33. Passing by the officers’ cabin whilst descending down the decks.34. Machinery control room, the nerve centre where all ship systems are monitored. With high level of automation, only a lean engineering watch is required on deck. 35. Traversing through the ship’s corridor.36. Festive decorations add a warm touch to the onboard atmosphere. 37. Galley. Cooking onboard presents a unique challenge as no open flames are allowed; instead cooking is done via hot plates with electricity.38. Dining area.39. The ships motto “To be the Best Damn Ship in the Navy”.40. A physical map and pin keeps track of the ship’s approximate location.41. The chain-of-command board of RSS Stalwart.42. Plaque indicating the date of RSS Stalwart’s launch in 2005.43. Plaques received from foreign navies indicating key events.44. Helicopter deck, with the helicopter approach control radar located above the hanger.45. The naval ensign is flown on the stern of the vessel.
Singapore Navy Museum
NAVEX24 concludes at the Singapore Navy Museum, located just outside Changi Naval Base. Newly refreshed and reopened in June 2023, the three-storey museum revolves around the central theme ‘Maritime Force for a Maritime Nation’.
Here, visitors are taken through the story of the RSN through the use of immersive video theatre, interactive exhibits and audio-visual showcases. Highlights include original artefacts from RSS Panglima, RSN’s first ship, and the outdoor gallery featuring a collection of guns from decommissioned ships.
Separately, the Singapore Navy Museum is also open to the public daily except on Tuesdays. Admission is free for Singapore Citizens and PRs, and ticketed for foreigners and tourists.
46. ‘Tunnel of Progress’ on the first floor of the indoor gallery. Models of past and present RSN ships showcase the evolution over years.47. ‘Our Maritime Security’ on the second floor of the indoor gallery. 48. ‘Striking Deeper, Higher and Further’ on the second floor of the indoor gallery. To-scale model missiles such as the Harpoon, A244S Torpedo and the Barak are showcased.49. ‘Global Partnerships and Friendships’ on the third floor of the indoor gallery. Artefacts received by the RSN from foreign navies are displayed, emphasising the importance of naval diplomacy.50. Located beside the indoor gallery is the Naval Warfare Esports lab, which taps on the highly competitive and teamwork-based aspects of Esports to train tactical decision-making.
