Hi all
I am a little confused with our submarine force and its capabilities. Please kindly enlighten me on the following questions.
1. What subs are currently employed by the RSN?
2. How does the AIP technology enhance our subs' capabilities?
3. What is the RSN's current submarine strategy?
Thanks
1) Sweden's Kockums we brought 5 sjoormen-class Sub. 4 in use by RSN, the last one kept in sweden to for parts. We brought another 2 ex-sweden navy - Vastergotland-class sub ( likely to be added AIP) which expect to be in service by 2010.
2) AIP - Air Independent Propulsion, is to enhance submerged endurnace. With out AIP - conventional subs will need to surface often to re-charge their batteries .... which increase the risk of detection. AIP enable sub to stay underwater much longer thus make them a lot harder to detect and harder to kill.
3) Our submarines all are design for attack mission in shallow water. They are to provide seaward defence and protect sea lane. They are to take out enemy sea blockade. Also it will tied down a lot of enemy resources as a lot of ships, heli and planes is allocated to track and hunt those submarine.