(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The heavy-lift transport carrier MV Rolldock Star, reportedly transporting Singapore’s Type 218SG diesel-electric submarine, RSS Invincible, is believed to have arrived in the republic a few days ago.
RSS Invincible is the lead ship of four Invincible-class submarines ordered by the Singapore Navy from the German shipbuilder Thyssen Krupp Marine System (TKMS).
According to public tracking data, the MV Rolldock Star docked at Changi Naval Base on August 27, carrying the first Invincible-class submarine.
The RSS Invincible is expected to be commissioned into the Singapore Navy’s service soon.
In July, social media images from observers showed the Type 218SG submarine at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany, preparing for transport aboard the heavy lift carrier MV Rolldock Star.
This submarine marks the second Invincible-class Type 218SG to be delivered to Singapore, following the arrival of the RSS Impeccable in July last year.
Singapore and TKMS signed separate contracts in 2013 and 2017 for the acquisition of four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines, named Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable.
These custom-made submarines have been designed to meet Singapore’s specific requirements.
The RSS Invincible, the first of the class, was launched in 2019 but remained in Germany for the training of Singaporean submarine crews.
Last July, the Singapore Navy received the RSS Impeccable, one of the four Type 218SG submarines, which was also transported from Kiel, Germany, aboard the heavy lift carrier MV Rolldock Storm.
Its arrival in Singaporean waters in July 2024 was greeted by the Singapore Navy’s patrol vessel RSS Unity and a pair of F-16C fighter jets from the Republic’s Air Force, serving as escorts.
The RSS Impeccable was the first Invincible-class submarine to “return” to the republic out of the four ordered from the German company TKMS.
A key feature of Singapore’s new submarine is its X-shaped rudder, which allows for more agile underwater movement.
Regional naval analysts regard the four Invincible-class Type 218SG submarines as the most modern, largest, and most capable underwater assets in Southeast Asia.
The design of these submarines, specifically tailored for Singapore, is said to be similar to the Israeli Navy’s Dolphin-2 submarines, likely sharing similar sensor systems and other features.
These Israeli submarines were also built by TKMS subsidiary HDW.
Weighing approximately 2,200 tons, Singapore’s Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines can operate 50 percent longer than the republic’s existing submarines, with significantly enhanced weaponry and sensor systems.
The introduction of the four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines—Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable—is expected to significantly bolster the Singapore Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities, which previously relied on second-hand Archer and Challenger-class submarines.
Each of Singapore’s new submarines displaces between 2,000 and 2,200 tons while submerged, with a top speed of 15 knots. They measure 70 meters in length and over 6 meters in beam.
These submarines feature eight torpedo tubes, capable of launching 533mm torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles, and are equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology using Fuel Cells, allowing them to stay submerged 50 percent longer than other submarines. — DSA