The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is turning to commercial drone technology and precision gun systems to counter the rising threats posed by unmanned systems and regional maritime instability, according to Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat.
Speaking after the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference Asia 2025, RADM Wat outlined the RSN’s evolving approach to maritime security, describing a region marked by persistent threats and growing complexity.
Traditional security challenges, such as piracy, sea robbery, trafficking and illegal fishing, remain active in Southeast Asian waters but are largely under control through cooperation among littoral states. However, RADM Wat warned that newer risks are compounding the security landscape.
“There is also the risk of maritime terror attacks which RSN is monitoring; while geopolitical rivalries and unresolved territorial disputes play out in the form of increasingly aggressive and assertive postures and actions at sea,” he said..
Against this backdrop, the RSN is rethinking its capability development strategy, focusing on faster, more adaptable solutions. Rather than relying solely on high-end unmanned systems, the Navy is now considering the integration of low-cost, commercially available drones.
“This is critical as it would allow us to shorten the capability-development cycle to effectively deal with emerging threats,” RADM Wat noted. “We envisage that we will operate a mix of higher-end, purpose-built drones, as well as low-cost drones to fulfil the range of our operational needs.”
The shift reflects a growing recognition that unmanned aerial and surface systems, both state-sponsored and improvised, are becoming more common and accessible. By tapping into commercial technology, the RSN hopes to close the gap between rapidly evolving threats and traditionally slower military procurement cycles.
Alongside these changes in drone strategy, the Navy will also be upgrading its ships with new weapons designed to effectively counter fast-moving aerial and surface threats. A key part of this effort is the progressive installation of the Strales 76mm guided gun system across its fleet.
“For example, to deal with threats posed by drones, both in the air and surface domains, the RSN will be progressively upgrading our ships with the Strales 76mm guided gun,” said RADM Wat. “This also offers a cost-effective solution as compared to other conventional weapons such as higher-end missiles.”
The Strales system employs DART (Driven Ammunition Reduced Time of Flight) projectiles, which are guided by a radio beam to follow and intercept fast, maneuvering targets. The gun offers a middle-ground option, more precise and effective than unguided guns, but far less expensive than missile-based defenses.
