The Republic of Singapore Navy ( RSN) is considering incorporating cheaper, off-the-shelf robots into its set of capabilities in order to combat emerging threats, especially those posed by unmanned techniques, and will upgrade its boats with guns that are effective against fast-moving targets.
The maritime domain is experiencing what Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat described as an “increasingly complex set of challenges,” according to Wat on Friday ( May 9 ).
Standard problems continue to exist in the area, including sea robberies, piracy, trafficking, and unlawful, undetected, and uncontrolled fishing, though they are managed by littoral states.
RSN is monitoring the risk of sea terror attacks, as well as geopolitical conflicts and unresolved territorial disputes, he said, which are played out in more aggressive and assertive exercises and activities at sea.
The RSN is looking into how to react lower-cost, economically off-the-shelf drones in a written exam with the media following the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference Asia 2025 in light of this landscape.
He argued that this is crucial because it would reduce the capability-development cycle and reduce the need to address emerging threats.  ,
We” concern that we will run a mix of high-end, purpose-built robots, as well as low-cost uavs to meet the range of our functional needs.”
The Singapore navy needs to develop innovative and practical solutions in order to combat these growing unmanned aerial systems ( UAS ), its chief said.
The RSN may gradually upgrade our boats with the Strales 76mm guided gun in order to combat challenges posed by robots, both in the air and on the ground, according to RADM Wat.
In addition to providing a more affordable option than conventional arms like expensive weapons, this also offers a cost-effective option. We are even looking into other options.
Direct Ammunition Recovery Technique ( DART ) is included with the Strales gun, which allows the target to follow the target through a homing system.
The Singaporean military currently combats threats from the air and the ground using a combination of missile and gun platforms. It posted a story on Instagram last month about using the Aster missile system to shoot down an underwater drone off the French coast during a live-firing exercise.