Singapore Buying Two Extra Invincible-Class Submarines

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has ordered two more Type 218SG submarines from German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

As per a recent company press statement, TKMS yesterday (Wednesday) signed a contract with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for an additional two boats on top of the four already ordered.

The original four submarines, RSS Invincible, RSS Impeccable, RSS Illustrious, and RSS Inimitable were  built and launched between 2019 and 2024. At least two are already in active service.

The design of the Type 218SG submarine was a collaboration between the DSTA, the RSN, and TKMS; it represents an evolution of the Type 214, plus elements of the Type 212 and the Type 216 concept.

It features a fuel-cell powered air-independent propulsion (AIP) system charging lithium-ion batteries to enable the boat to stay underwater longer, and an X-shaped rudder configuration for enhanced manoeuvrability in shallow water. The design is also configured to minimise the boat’s acoustic and sonar signatures.

The 218SG boats are 70 metres long, displace 2,200 tonnes when submerged, and can cruise at up to an estimated 15 knots underwater. It has a crew of 28 and its horizontal multi-purpose airlock is thought to be able to be used to launch everything from torpedoes and cruise missiles to divers and special operations forces.

Chief Executive Officer of TKMS Oliver Burkhard commented: “The order expansion underscores the generally positive market situation in naval shipbuilding and gives us the opportunity to further expand our very well-filled order book.

“We are also proud that Singapore has once again placed its trust in us, as our partnership goes far beyond the production of submarines. We feel deeply connected to the country and contribute to the security and defence capabilities of our customer’s country with our products.”

TKMS said it anticipates working at full capacity into the 2040s, having recently secured orders for four additional Type 212CD submarines for the German Navy, a new Polarstern research icebreaker, and funding for the project launch of the new F127 frigate: it values the contracts in its order book at about €16 billion.

• You can read more details on the TKMS website and the RSN website