The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is the naval service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) responsible for defending the country against any sea-borne threats, and the protection of its sea lines of communications, that would compromise Singapore as a global trading hub. The RSN traces its origins to the Royal Navy when Singapore was still a Crown colony of the British Empire. After Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965, the service was formally established in 1967, and had undergone a substantial modernisation ever since—which led them into becoming the most powerful navy in Southeast Asia. The RSN conducts operations with the Malaysian and Indonesian navies to combat piracy and terrorist threats in the crowded littoral waters of the Strait of Malacca and Singapore. It also jointly operates the Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft with its counterparts from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to provide air surveillance of the seaward approaches to Singapore, which is one of the busiest sealanes in the world. The RSN has engaged in international anti-piracy operations further abroad, partaking in the multinational Combined Task Force 151 off the Gulf of Aden. Though numerically small in comparison to its much larger neighbours in terms of tonnage and manpower reserves, the RSN seeks to maintain a qualitative superiority over any adversary through the implementation of new technologies, fostering of alliances with extra-regional navies, and increased reliance on automation and unmanned assets. Bilateral exercises with foreign navies are held regularly. All commissioned ships of the RSN have the prefix RSS standing for Republic of Singapore Ship. Mission As an island nation, the RSN forms part of Singapore's first line of defence. Its stated mission objectives are to: Protect Singapore's sealine of communications and contribute to regional peace and security. Maintain continuous surveillance on the Singapore Strait to prevent sea robberies, piracy, terrorism and unwanted incursions during peacetime. Work to secure a swift and decisive victory over any enemy at sea during war. Conduct diplomacy by exercising with foreign navies and taking part in international operations for peace support, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. History Colonial and pre-independence era The Republic of Singapore Navy traces its origins to the Royal Navy in the 1930s with only two patrol craft. The Straits Settlements Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (SSRNVR) was established on 27 April 1934 and in 1941 became the Singaporean division of the Malayan Royal Naval Volunteer