- PHOTOS
The Sovereignty. (Photo: Faris Mokhtar)
Source: CHANNEL NEWSASIA
SINGAPORE: Amid an increasingly complex and challenging
maritime security landscape, it is important to safeguard Singapore's
maritime borders and a key way of doing that is for the navy to remain a
strong force, Acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on Saturday (Apr
16).
He noted that Singapore's ports sit along one the world's busiest waterways, with more than 1,000 vessels passing through the Singapore Strait on a daily basis. However, he added that the country's geo-strategic location and large volume of maritime traffic also makes it vulnerable.
The security of our sea lanes and our ports is affected by piracy, sea robberies, and the emergent threat of transnational maritime terrorism, Mr Teo said. He was speaking at the launch ceremomy of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second littoral mission vessel (LMV), the Sovereignty.
"The interruption of sea traffic or a threat coming from the many vessels sailing through these waters will have a serious impact on us here in Singapore," he added.
He also underscored the importance of innovation in boosting the navy's capabilities to safeguard Singapore's waters.
Mr Teo said the use of smart technologies to design the vessels operational systems allows it to detect and respond faster to maritime threats in a cluttered littoral environment.
The Sovereignty is the second of eight LMVs that will be built for the navy, under an agreement between the Defence Ministry and ST Engineering in 2013. These will replace the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels which have been in service for around 20 years.
The two LMVs launched so far are expected to be fully operational by next year, after undergoing sea trials.
In light of seaborne threats, Mr Teo emphasised that the country's maritime forces have to work closely together and make the most effective use of the available resources as well as manpower.
"Beyond the capabilities of our hardware, our true strength lies in our 'heart'-ware and our people. We must be prepared to stand together and overcome adversities to emerge victorious from every challenge," Mr Teo said.
He noted that Singapore's ports sit along one the world's busiest waterways, with more than 1,000 vessels passing through the Singapore Strait on a daily basis. However, he added that the country's geo-strategic location and large volume of maritime traffic also makes it vulnerable.
The security of our sea lanes and our ports is affected by piracy, sea robberies, and the emergent threat of transnational maritime terrorism, Mr Teo said. He was speaking at the launch ceremomy of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second littoral mission vessel (LMV), the Sovereignty.
"The interruption of sea traffic or a threat coming from the many vessels sailing through these waters will have a serious impact on us here in Singapore," he added.
He also underscored the importance of innovation in boosting the navy's capabilities to safeguard Singapore's waters.
Mr Teo said the use of smart technologies to design the vessels operational systems allows it to detect and respond faster to maritime threats in a cluttered littoral environment.
The Sovereignty is the second of eight LMVs that will be built for the navy, under an agreement between the Defence Ministry and ST Engineering in 2013. These will replace the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels which have been in service for around 20 years.
The two LMVs launched so far are expected to be fully operational by next year, after undergoing sea trials.
In light of seaborne threats, Mr Teo emphasised that the country's maritime forces have to work closely together and make the most effective use of the available resources as well as manpower.
"Beyond the capabilities of our hardware, our true strength lies in our 'heart'-ware and our people. We must be prepared to stand together and overcome adversities to emerge victorious from every challenge," Mr Teo said.
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