Thailand in favour of Sweden's Gripen

"It seems positive," said Defence Minister Leni Björklund following talks with Thai officers and political leaders over Thailand’s possible procurement of the Jas 39 Gripen fighter aircraft.

The Defence Minister, who has been on a one-week visit to Singapore and Thailand, also told TT that she sees "a huge amount of interest in the Gripen, which is something the industry (Saab) should exploit".

Björklund has held talks in Singapore over continued naval co-operation. Singapore has previously purchased four second-hand Swedish submarines and crew have received training in Sweden. With the forthcoming defence cuts in Sweden, several Swedish submarines are likely to be redundant. The Defence Minister sees that there is opportunity to discuss new business, should Singapore decide to extend its fleet, reported SvD.

http://www.thelocal.se/article.php?ID=662&date=20041124

I think they want two sell us second hand submarine again. Can someone tell them we are not a junk yard. If they were to offer us cooperation in the viking submarine project and transfeer tech to us then it will be more intersting.

we don`t need so many subs now. Besides, the costs of refurbishment is`nt cheap as well and the draw-back on life-span is a pain in the back-side. the sjoormen subs are really meant for training for something better in the future with a combat role mixed in; to maximise its use. it`s quite a shame to get another bunch of second-hand subs to replace the current ones and wait out a few more years for another bunch of subs; not when the chinese, malaysians,etc are getting better and new subs. in a recent janes report, the malaysians are seriously looking at increasing thier submersible fleet to 4 scorpenes before 2015. and it would be pretty much pointless for us to be participating as observers in the viking sub project. the latter, like our observer status in the F-35 project, won`t come free. we would`nt be paying millions to just `ke-po' around. the viking project is in trouble as some project members have left and some are re-thinking thier participation. The project was originally envisaged as a 12 boat programme. However, the withdrawal of Norway and the progressive reduction in danish and swedish requirement has now brought the project close to its economically viable production minimum. The project would be in good hands though if singapore makes a commitment to build or purchase these boats. One needs to ask; if the project is still on-going, who are the customers going to be? The Swedish defence minister has also recently visited singapore. there are only two viable submarine ssks options in the near future; the German u214s and the viking. and we have bought access to the viking project; technical specs,etc. And the Sjoormen are ex-swedish boats after-all. Sweden does`nt have a plan `b' if she does`nt go ahead with the vikings; meaning she will effectively lose her submarine arm; an event analysts say will not happen with russia just next door.
___________________________________________________________________
Viking submarine

The aim of the VIKING project is to develop and acquire coastal submarines for Denmark and Sweden and to co-operate also during the in-service phase.

By June 30th 2003 the VIKING project group had completed the detailed description and the projecting of the earlier chosen basic model under the Project Definition Phase part 1 (PDF 1). An agreement concerning execution of the PDF 2 was signed between Denmark and Sweden on May 21 2003.

Due to changes in the national programming of future submarine procurement, Norway has withdrawn from the active work in the VIKING project group by the end of the PDF 1. Norway continues as an observer in the next phase. Consequently Denmark and Sweden continue the work in PDF 2 in order to obtain political approval to enter into contract concerning construction and production of submarines in 2005.

The industrial organisation will be streamlined, as Kockums AB is planned to be chosen as lead supplier with Odense Staalskibsværft A/S as sub-supplier. All other suppliers will be chosen by open competition. The planned duration of PDF2 is until the 30th March 2005 and partial deliveries of results will ensure continous basis for decisions about the construction and building phase.

The participating nations are Denmark and Sweden with Finland, Norway and Singapore as observers.

We should really start thinking about our new submarine and incooperate our "ROMANIS"(improve its range) with our navy vessal and submarine. The underwater world now are getting more crowded, everyone as getting submarine. It will be to Singapore disadvantage is we is unable to maintain a strong and effective submarine and anti-sub force. I doubt we will have problem guarding singapore waters against submarine as the waters around singapore is relatively shallow and narrow. With Good and sufficient amount of Anti-sub helicopter(maybe NH-90) the submarine would have no place to hide. But when out at south china sea it will be a submarine heaven. Taking into consideration of the cost of maintaing a submarine fleet wat do u think is the number of sub needed for SG. I personally think that 5-6 if affordtable should be good.
What do u guys think???

From my limited knowledge, I understand that the Swedes have 2 classes of subs in operation now
SSK Gotland Class (TYPE A19)
Gotland 1996
Uppland 1997
Halland 1997

SSK Vastergotland class (TYPE A17)
Vastergotland 1987
Halsingland 1988
Sodermanland 1989
Ostergotland 1990

Sodermanland & Ostergotland are fitted with AIP so I guess Vastergotland and Halsingland will be offered. Most probably fitted with AIP if we were to get them.

These are not some crapy second hand subs. They are still considered one of the most advanced sub in the world. However, they will need some serious upgrading to compete with RMN ones.

I think AIP should be a given, plus any advanced combat systems plus new generation of Torpedoes for the new RSN subs. I would like to see that the current Challenger gets modified to support special Ops.

Depend on what support u want but definately they can support insertions.

I doubt they would be offering the gotland class submarine. We would be offered the SSK Vastergotland class (TYPE A17) instead. the youngest of the sub is about 14 years. it takes time for the sub to be modified and upgraded for tropical conditions and time is also need foe training. this would takes up another few years. Although it can be used for another 10 to 15 years, Sg will have to look in buying another new sub to replace it soon. Cost of maintaing an old sub can be expensive. I am not so sure if we need another secong hand sub again. What we need is may be 2 or three viking sub to supplement the sjoormen sub we have now. Even if the viking project is scrapped, the U214 would also be a good choice and can be stall with AIP also. I dont see any problem with that since kockum is also under HDW of Germany.

ROMANIS is envisaged for sonar imaging, however, you don't really need imaging techniques in surveillance unless you're secretly looking for buried underwater mines in preparation of a costal assault ... anyway, that technology is still immature at this stage.

As for the submarine deterrent, we need something like an AWACs for underwater intelligence. During the cold war there was this SOSUS line that tracked subs going in and out of Archangelsk. We should establish something similar, but perhaps by Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Once an AUV is shadowing an enemy sub, it's already goodbye.

Not only can we extend our ears, but this also provides a very good dual-purpose capability - to study marine animals. Nice dolphin.

does the malaysian subs come with AIP?

There is no official report from DCN or MY on whether MY's 2 Scorpene will have Mesma AIP, but from this website below, it said that they are Scorpene Basic which are conventional SSK.

http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00184002

But another report from Naval Forces said they are:


Since Mesma AIP is modular, they could easily upgrade them with it at a later date.

Here a interesting article on submarines:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
............
A nuclear sub uses a compact nuclear reactor to generate steam to drive a turbine to turn the propeller. Except for modern adaptations, this differs little from old coal driven turbines. They are much quieter now, but they still make a lot of noise. Diesel submarines use reciprocating engines on the surface and while snorkeling, and battery driven electric motors while submerged. The first is noisy, the latter extremely quiet.

Near the end of World War II, Germany experimented with several methods for driving a submarine independent of surface air. Several Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarine prototypes ended up with the Russians, the British, and in our own hands. Over the next half-century vast improvements were made with AIP systems. In the 1950s, however, under the firm hand of Adm. Hyman Rickover, the United States turned towards nuclear power for submarine propulsion, and never turned back.

Elsewhere, AIP progress continued on four different fronts. German Thyssen Nordseewerke (TNSW) developed a closed-cycle diesel using liquid oxygen, diesel oil, and argon. The same diesel is used as a conventional air-breathing engine for surface propulsion. These systems are suitable for both retrofitting and new construction.

Howaltswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany has developed a hybrid fuel cell system for a diesel-electric sub. High-speed operations run off the conventional battery, while the fuel cell recharges the battery, and provides energy for low-speed operations. Typical submarine cost using either HDW or TNSW AIP systems is $250 million.

Hybrid diesel-electric units propel Swedish Gotland Class subs, supplemented with Kockum Stirling engines running on liquid oxygen and diesel oil to turn a generator to produce electricity for propulsion and to charge the vessel's batteries. Typical cost for a Gotland class sub is $100 million.

The French "MESMA" (Module d'Energie Sous-Marine Autonome) AIP steam-turbine system burns ethanol and liquid oxygen to make steam to drive a turbo-electric generator. The design permits retrofitting into existing submarines by adding an extra hull section. Typical cost for a new submarine powered by MESMA is $250 million.

Each of these designs has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all allow for about a month submerged operating capability for 25 to 40 crew members, extended operating range, and capabilities limited only by hull strength, and installed electronics and weapons suits.

In particular, the HDW and MESMA systems are extremely quiet - far quieter than any nuclear/steam plant. Combined with a state-of-the art sensing system and appropriate weapons, such a sub would be a formidable opponent for any nuke.

AIP submarines costing between $100 and $300 million compare favorably to nuclear submarines costing from 5 to 16 times as much - $1.6 billion...........

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here the link for the full article:

Tomorrow's Submarine Fleet: The Non-nuclear Option

besides the engine, a stealthy sub needs a good propeller and hull design to minimise noise also.

Good find, some more articles from Defense Watch

The Wrong Sub for New Warfare Era

Is the Nuclear Submarine Really Invincible?

Equipped for operation in warmer waters
Swedish submarines are designed to operate mainly in colder northern waters. Higher water temperatures can lead to problems with high ambient temperatures and high levels of relative humidity on board. An important aspect of the Södermanland Class conversion is that the submarines will now be equipped to undertake international peacekeeping missions in warmer and more saline waters. In practice this involves fitting the boats with a completely new refrigeration system employing heat exchangers rather than the direct seawater cooling previously used.

http://www.kockums.se/Submarines/sodermanland.html

With withdrawal of some of the members of the Viking program which we have paid to be a observer, the program is in danger of being scrapped.

Here the old thread on the Viking program:

SINGAPORE TAKES PART IN VIKING SUBMARINE

So what are the other options fo rthe replacement of the Challenger class?

I believe it should be:

1) small with length of abt 60m & below for littoral waters around SG,

2) Stealthy design with full air independent propultion (AIP) capability.

So here are the option :

1) Gotland-class
They are powered by the Stirling air independent propulsion (AIP) system .

Crew 25
Endurance 14 days
Length 60.4 m 198-ft
Max Speed 20 kts
Full Displacement 1,500 tons
Number of Weapons 20
Span 6.2 m 20-ft
Torpedo Tubes 6

Equipment
Powerplant Stirling AIP
Weapons Torpedo 2000 16

http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00172001

2) U212-class
The U212-class submarines have been designed to be powered by hydrogen fuel cells instead of traditional atmosphere-dependent propulsion systems.

Crew 27
Height 11.5 m 38-ft
Length 57.2 m 188-ft
Max Range 12,800 km 6,911 nm
Max Speed 20 kts
Full Displacement 1,800 tons
Displacement 1,500 tons
Number of Weapons 12
Span 7 m 23-ft
Torpedo Tubes 6

Equipment
Electronic Gear FL 1800U 1
Weapons DM2A4 12

http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00154001

3) Scorpene Compact class
Not to be confuse with the Scorpene Basic (66.4m) & Scorpene Basic AIP(76.2m), the Scorpene Compact (59.4m) has been designed to perform littoral warfare missions and the main propulsion consists of Mesma AIP system. This submarine has been shortened compared to other Scorpene submarines. A shorten hull ensures improved maneuverability as well as optimized stealth features.

Crew 22
Depth 200 m 656-ft
Endurance 40 days
Length 59.4 m 195-ft
Max Speed 14 kts
Full Displacement 1,450 tons
Number of Weapons 18
Torpedo Tubes 6

Equipment
Weapons F17 18
Weapons Mark 48 ADCAP 18
Weapons SM39 Exocet 18

http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00184001

Outside chance will be the U214-class (65m) submarines are an advanced and larger derivative of U212 submarines, more steathy and capable but is it suitable for littoral waters of SG?

http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00155001

The Sodermanland class(60.5m) which is the upgraded Vastergotland class with Sterling AIP but this may be the least capable with limited lifespan.

http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00426001

I will chose the Scorpene Compact class, it seem to be th most capable but it might be the most expensive choice, for the cost effective & capability then I will go for the Gotland.

What is your choice?

depends really on what the navy wants to use the sub for.

Other than Viking, my choice is actually U214 with fuel cells. Second option will be a modified version of Dolphine (the one the German Ship yard built for Israeli Navy) with fuel cell. :)

Current Dolphin class sub does not come with AIP and is abt 57m, to install a AIP unit, the hull will have to be stretched to 67~69m which means less maneuverability in littoral water.

But if we to have two type of submarines in RSN, then we could have one for littoral water and training, and the other with much more attack capability for South China sea and beyond.

If that the case, Dolphin AIP or U214 will be perfect for the expanded role.

USA to lease Gotland-class sub.

The Swedish Government has granted approval for the USA to lease a Gotland-class submarine for a period of twelve months, complete with crew, to participate in joint exercises with the US Navy. The submarine will operate from bases on both the east and west coasts of the United States.

This Swedish participation is designed to enhance the Swedish Navy’s ability to cooperate with the armed forces of other nations when participating in international peacekeeping operations. According to the Swedish Government press release, this cooperation is also expected to yield favourable synergies in areas such as the development of submarine systems, the development of sensors and ongoing cooperation in materials development.

Gotland-class submarines, built by Kockums, are equipped with the Stirling AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) system. This allows a “conventional” (non-nuclear) submarine to remain submerged for weeks at a time, avoiding the need to surface for air and risk detection. This signifies a dramatic increase in operational efficiency. The Gotland-class boats also feature excellent stealth capabilities, and have performed extremely well in international exercises, especially against the US Navy’s nuclear submarines.

Swedish submarines are designed specifically for operating in the shallow waters of the littoral zone, and Swedish Navy crews are specially trained in the skills essential to missions in this niche sector. Since the September 11 terrorist attack, possible threat scenarios embrace precisely this type of littoral zone, which is highly susceptible to terrorist attack.

The Swedish Government granted approval for the lease of a submarine, complete with crew, at a cabinet meeting on October 28th 2004. The naval exercises will be initiated as early as the first half of 2005.

The newspaper Blekinge Läns Tidning writes: The American’s interest in this type of submarine was aroused earlier, during joint naval exercises, when the USN failed in its efforts to track a Gotland-class sub. Sweden’s conventional (non-nuclear) submarines are small and feature stealth technology that enables them to remain hidden beneath the surface for weeks at a time, without risk of revealing their position. Their smaller size also means that they can operate in shallower littoral waters.

“An exchange of information at this level benefits Sweden as well as the USA. It enhances our ability to cooperate with other nations in international peacekeeping missions,” notes Hans Bjernby, a military adviser at Sweden’s Ministry of Defence.

”The US Navy is a blue-water navy, designed to operate in the major oceans of the world, and faces a considerable challenge in protecting itself from hostile submarines in shallow littoral waters. The Swedish submarines are silent running and equipped with excellent combat management systems,” writes Svenska Dagbladet.

http://www.kockums.se/News/041105lease.html

U.S. and Sweden to Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

The U.S. Navy and the Swedish Navy will begin a bilateral training effort that provides a Swedish advanced diesel submarine and crew for U.S. Navy fleet anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training.

Commencing in early 2005, the partnership will focus on ASW system test and evaluation as well as the combined development of naval capabilities.

“Recent establishment of the Fleet ASW Command in San Diego, Calif., combined with the planned deployment of a state-of-the-art Swedish diesel sub and crew to the West Coast, provides our forces innovative opportunities to train during combined exercises,” said U.S. Fleet Forces Command Director of Readiness and Training Rear Adm. Don Bullard.

The Swedish Navy will provide an advanced diesel submarine, a Gotland-class air independent propulsion (AIP) submarine, for the U.S. Navy’s long-term use. ASW training will be conducted from San Diego. The Swedish submarine will be Swedish-flagged, commanded, manned and operated. U.S. Navy personnel will be onboard the Swedish submarine as riders and observers for training purposes.

“This U.S.-Swedish effort will demonstrate the further development of international interoperability between the two nations,” said Inspector of the Royal Swedish Navy, Rear Adm. Jörgen Ericsson. “Sweden is currently reorganizing the Swedish armed forces with extensive focus on international operations in which the Swedish Navy contributes a unique capability in maritime security in the littorals.”

The mission of this training effort is to conduct focused and integrated ASW training and assessment of the U.S. Navy’s fleet ASW operations, tactics and doctrine, and ASW education. The U.S.-Swedish effort will focus on the following improvements to:

1) The performance of fleet operators on all ASW platforms;

2) The ASW performance assessment at theater, carrier/expeditionary strike group, unit- level ship, aviation squadron and submarine levels against standardized, common metrics;

3) Individual student ASW training and qualifications;

4) Overall theater undersea warfare capability.

Nations around the globe continue to acquire quiet and lethal submarines designed to operate in littoral regions and the open ocean. With advanced weaponry developments, the nature of ASW has changed, increasing the risks to operations at sea.

Control of littoral environments is essential to ensuring prompt access for joint forces moving ashore from the sea. Future ASW effectiveness in this critical area demands a dedicated focus on and sensors, new operating concepts and fleet ASW training. Through U.S. and Swedish efforts, both navies are meeting this challenge head on.

“This will vastly improve our capability to conduct realistic, effective antisubmarine warfare training that is so critical to the Navy’s ability to accomplish our mission,” added Bullard. “It also expands our efforts in developing coalition ASW tactics, techniques and procedures. This is a great opportunity for both navies and we are very excited about it."

This bilateral effort is a great example of the U.S. and Swedish navies’ commitment to ensure that our naval service and those of our allies and partners retain operational primacy at sea.

http://www.dod.mil/releases/2004/nr20041029-1452.html

Some other sub news

French submarine sale to India still in pipeline


NEW DELHI, Nov 30 (AFP) - The Indian government is likely to give final approval early next year to a EUR 2 billion (USD 2.5 billion) deal with a French firm for the building of six Scorpene submarines, the naval chief said Tuesday.

Admiral Arun Prakash said the deal has been cleared by the defence and finance ministries and was awaiting final approval of the security cabinet, India's highest strategic decision-making body headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"We hope to get this cleared in 2005 because restoration of our submarine building capacity is our top priority," Prakash said, describing the Scorpenes deal as a "much-delayed project."

Highly-placed Indian sources told AFP the Scorpene deal was likely to be on the agenda of the security cabinet next February.

Other Indian sources said French state-owned shipbuilder Naval Constructions Directorate (DCN) would transfer technology to New Delhi which would then build the six 1,600-tonne submarines in India.

The vessels, although diesel-powered, could be adapted to fit a nuclear power unit, which matches India's long-term defence strategy.

Prakash said the construction of the Scorpenes was part of the navy's ambitious plans to induct a Soviet-era aircraft carrier, build a similar vessel here and acquire 19 other warships now under construction at various Indian shipyards.

He said the Indian navy had this year inducted three frigate-class ships - one of them of Russian origin - and two fast attack vessels in its fleet of warships.

Prakash also said the Russian aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, would be refurbished and handed over to the Indian navy on schedule by 2008. Gorshkov, which joined the Soviet forces 18 years ago, would fill the vacuum left by the 1997 scrapping of India's first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which had been in service since 1961.

The delivery will coincide with the mothballing of India's remaining aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, four years later.

The admiral said the November 7 test-firing of a nuclear-capable missile from on-board a frigate offered India's 137-ship navy a new dimension in strategic warfare.

"The proof of the concept is now established. It can now be carried and fired from a ship and how we use it is a different issue," Prakash said of the 350-kilometre (217-mile) range missile named Dhanush (Bow).

He also said the navy was also ready to induct BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile jointly built with Russia, in all its new and old warships. "Our maritime interests are vast and need protection.

"We have a 7,000-kilometre (4,340-mile) coastline, 1,200 islands and an economic zone of 2.01 million square kilometres (0.77 million square miles)."

"Ninety percent of India's trade volume and 77 percent by value is sea-borne, much of it carried by Indian merchant vessels and naturally they need protection," the naval chief said.

Also the higher temperature and saline content corrodes the hull faster leading to high maintainence cost

Essentially, they need to be "tropicalised" like the Challenger class....

Just found an interesting article, one US company has just developed a diesel coastal defence sub for export, no AIP but large bank of battery for longer endurance & a crew of only 10.

Wonder is that the option for Taiwan order?

Ooh.. this sub looks real nice and quite suitable for RSN ...

if this sub is not expensive to build and operate, it can potentially complement any SSK RSN has planned to purchased. A sqn of say 4 to 6 of this babies roaming around Malacca Straits, Main Straits, Singapore Straits, etc will provide excellent sub surface defence for Singapore and its surrounding waters. The SSK can then be tasked with more long distance roles....

Perhaps we should get DSTA to do some joint-venture with the USN, develop a AIP system for this boat, modify it too? :)

I don't think it is wise to add another AIP. The whole idea is for the SES to roam in surrounding waters and be used in a a defensive posture - unlike SSK which used correctly, is more a hunter sub.

I would say that if US approves, ST Marine should work with GE to build 5 of these babies locally, one in the US. Then RSN can then delay the purchase of a new SSK until either U212/214 or Viking is fully operational, say 2010. These babies if, order soon, can start serving before 2010, which will provide RSN with a potent sub surface force.

suitable ???

- 1.5m of couching space
- no kitchen
- 1 bathroom to be shared by 12 men!

Hello, who will be interested in working is such conditions. :rolleyes:

aiya, the 1.5m, should be able to expand a little to around 1.8 meters or so right....

No kitchen, won't die lah...got Microwave wat....!!!

1 Toilet... how many do you need... have you been in enconomic/couch class on long haul flight.... 2 or 3 toilets to be shared by more than 100 people.... this sub has better toilet to people ratio.... furthermore, with a sub lof this size with only 12 crew, how much more comfort do you want to have? First class travel?

The 1.5m height is only at the lower half deck which is only for battery stowage and diesel fuel bunkering, not in living quarter and operations.

You think Angmo will work in such condition, they will all be hunchback and sue the navy for millions of dollars!!!!

And the endurance of this sub I think 1~2 weeks max, so not very long lah!
So most probably out at sea for patrol for a week or so .

of course angmoh will not work in such condition...hence, it's an export sub.

2-3 toilets in a economy cabin shared by so many people is not really comparable okay......how many hours in the plane ?....if long haul flight at most <24hrs. Any longer, got transit.

This sub has only 1 toilet...that means no redundancy. If the toilet get choke, means--> zero toilet. In a sub on a secret mission....that's a no go, unless you want the whole sub to be filled with foul smell.

See if you can eat and swallow your MRE if such thing happen.....remember, this is a sub.

they are soldiers, fighting is more important than going to toilet.

But seriously, what we have here is a potential mission abort when the toiletbowl chokes. I mean, do you really want the sub to go " Changi, we have a problem. Toilet choke, initiating RTB." (RTB = Return To Base) Wa kau, joke of the century man. Dont underestimate the toilet. Ever. Having just one toilet turns it into mission critical equipment.

Toiletbowl choke is such rare occurrances, It only choke if ppl started to abuse it by throwing all kind of rubbish into the bowl.

Let ask yourself a question, has any of your toilet bowl in your house ever choked in the years that you have stayed there?

Most ppl will answer "no", cos most ppl will take care of it by not abusing it.

Likewise , if 10 men dun take care of the only toilet , they will suffer!!!

eh....

they are sailors...they are trained to fight......if the toilet is choke, i think the CO will order someone to clear the blockage right?

alamak, the discussion about the requirements and suitability of a new submarine for RSN turns out to be about 'choked toilet'..... no wonder people called SAF "shao ye bing". If need be, add one more temp one lah or used the Captain's cabin... !!! :) what no captain's carbin? what is this???? Ooops... sorry this is not USS Enterprise or USS Voyager!!!!

garbage bags and masking tapes

Sorry to pull up this old thread, but I think I have some new info on MY's Scorpene submarines to share :

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Malaysia To Take Delivery Of Submarines In 2009
From Jamaluddin Muhamad

CHERBOURG (France), June 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will take delivery of its two Scorpene submarines in 2009, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said here.

He said one of the submarines was expected to arrive in the country in the middle of that year and the other at the end...............

Novelli said the diesel- and electric-powered submarines would be equipped with Black Shark torpedoes and SM-99 guided missiles which could be launched from below water.

"They are able to handle anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare," he said.

DCN International provides transfer of technology through training, which includes simulator and a refurbished Agosta submarine used as a platform for training. The Agosta is similar to the Scorpene submarine. The Scorpene's overall length is 66.4 metres and it has a maximum speed of 20 knots and underwater endurance of 45 days...............

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=138869
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If MY's Scorpene submarines overall length is 66.4m, then they should be Scorpene Basic, non-AIP variant.

Ah, yes, talking about subs, it seems that Singapore is in the market for new torpedoes. While no formal solicitations have been issued yet, they are looking at the BlackShark and the DM2A4. According to the DefenseNews article I got this info from, Singaporean Navy officials requested and received a demonstration of the DM2A4's capabilities in late April.