Singapore Releases Images of Type 218SG Submarine “Invincible” at Changi Naval Base
The Type 218SG submarine “Invincible” is the second Invincible-class Type 218SG submarine to be delivered to Singapore, following the return of the RSS Impeccable to the republic in July last year.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has released the first images of its Type 218SG Invincible-class submarine, the “Invincible,” at the Changi Naval Base shortly after its safe transport across thousands of nautical miles to the republic from Germany.
The “Invincible” is the lead ship of four Invincible-class submarines ordered by the Singapore Navy from the shipbuilder TKMS (Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems) of Germany.
The ministry released the images during a formal ceremony to welcome the submarine’s arrival in Singapore, attended by Fleet Commander RADM Kwan Hon Chuong and other senior officers of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Singapore’s “Invincible” submarine is expected to be commissioned into the Republic of Singapore Navy’s service in the coming weeks.
It was transported back to Singapore using the heavy-lift transport carrier MV Rolldock Star and is believed to have arrived at the end of August.
Singapore’s first Type 218SG submarine, “RSS Invincible,” when undergoing sea trials in Kiel, Germany.
The “Invincible” is the second Type 218SG submarine returned to Singapore, following the RSS Impeccable, which was brought back to the republic in July last year.
The first Invincible-class submarine, “Invincible,” was launched in 2019 but remained in Germany for the training of Singaporean submarine crews.
Singapore and TKMS signed two separate contracts in 2013 and 2017 for the acquisition of four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines, named “Invincible,” “Impeccable,” “Illustrious,” and “Inimitable.”
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, the remaining two submarines, “Illustrious” and “Inimitable,” will be delivered to the republic by 2028.
All four custom-built Type 218SG submarines have been designed to meet Singapore’s specific operational requirements.
The Heavy Lift Carrier MV Rolldock Star, carrying the Type 218SG submarine “RSS Invincible,” arrived in Singapore waters last August. (credit: social media)
A key feature of these submarines is the X-shaped rudder, providing enhanced underwater maneuverability.
Regional naval analysts regard Singapore’s four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines as the most modern, largest, and most capable underwater assets in Southeast Asia.
The new submarines, which are custom-designed for Singapore, are said to resemble Israel Navy’s Dolphin-2 submarines, potentially sharing similar sensor systems and other features.
The Israel Navy’s submarines were also constructed by TKMS’s subsidiary, HDW.
Weighing around 2,200 tons, Singapore’s Type 218SG submarines can operate 50% longer than the other submarines currently in the republic’s fleet.
They are also equipped with superior weaponry and sensor systems.
Singapore’s submarine “Impeccable” arrived in Singapore July last year. (Singapore MoD)
The entry of these four Invincible-class submarines—“Invincible,” “Impeccable,” “Illustrious,” and “Inimitable”—will significantly enhance the Republic of Singapore Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Previously, the navy relied on second-hand submarines from the Archer and Challenger classes.
The latest Singaporean submarines have a submerged weight of 2,000–2,200 tons and can reach speeds of 15 knots.
They measure 70 meters in length and over 6 meters in width.
Additionally, these submarines are equipped with eight torpedo tubes that can launch both 533mm caliber torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
They also feature an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system using fuel cell technology, allowing them to remain submerged 50% longer than other submarines. — DSA