Originally established as a coastal defence force, the Republic of Singapore Navy is today increasingly being used to contribute to the city state's wider security interests. Richard Scott examines its continued evolution. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will celebrate the 38th anniversary of the founding of its antecedent, the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force, on 5 May 2005. In the period since the ensign was first raised at Telok Ayer Basin, the service — also incarnated as the Sea Defence Command and Maritime Command at various times — has undergone a metamorphosis, growing from a small coastal patrol force to a modestly sized but balanced, highly professional and technically proficient navy. Its capability will be further enhanced in the coming two years with the delivery, trials and introduction to service of a new class of multipurpose frigate and its embarked rotorcraft.
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