(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Singapore Navy’s latest Type 218SG diesel-electric submarine, the “RSS Invincible,” is being prepared for its imminent return to the republic.
The RSS Invincible is the lead vessel of four Invincible-class submarines ordered by the Singapore Navy from the German company Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
According to social media posts from observers, the Type 218SG RSS Invincible is currently at TKMS’s shipyard in Kiel, Germany, and is being readied for transport on the heavy roll-dock carrier “MV Rolldock Star.”
This vessel will soon carry the submarine to Singapore.
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.”
These submarines are designed to meet Singapore’s specific requirements.
The first Invincible-class submarine, RSS Invincible, was launched in 2019 but remained in Germany for crew training purposes.
In July of last year, the Singapore Navy received one of the four Type 218SG submarines, the RSS Impeccable, which was also transported by the heavy load carrier “MV Rolldock Storm” from Kiel, Germany.
The arrival of the MV Rolldock Storm in Singapore’s waters in July 2024 was greeted by the Republic of Singapore Navy’s patrol vessel, RSS Unity, and a pair of F-16C fighter jets from the air force, which acted as escorts.
The RSS Impeccable is the first Invincible-class submarine to return to Singapore from the German TKMS company.
One of the key features of Singapore’s latest submarines is the X-shaped rudder, which provides greater agility underwater.
According to regional naval analysts, Singapore’s four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines are the most modern, largest, and capable underwater assets in Southeast Asia.
The design of Singapore’s new submarines, specifically tailored for the republic, is said to be similar to the Israeli Navy’s Dolphin-2 submarines, likely sharing similar sensor systems and other technologies.
These submarines were also built by TKMS subsidiary HDW.
Weighing approximately 2,200 tons, the Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines can operate 50% longer than Singapore’s current submarines, and they are equipped with significantly superior weapon and sensor systems.
The introduction of the four Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines—”Invincible,” “Impeccable,” “Illustrious,” and “Inimitable”—will significantly enhance the underwater warfare capabilities of the Singapore Navy, which previously relied on second-hand Archer and Challenger-class submarines.
Each of these new submarines displaces between 2,000 and 2,200 tons when submerged and can achieve speeds of up to 15 knots. They are 70 meters long and more than 6 meters wide, featuring eight torpedo tubes capable of launching 533mm torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
The submarines are also equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) using Fuel Cell technology, allowing them to remain submerged 50% longer than other submarines.
Their combat systems are designed by Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics.
Notably, these submarines are designed to operate effectively in shallow and busy waters, such as those around Southeast Asia, which are bustling with maritime trade routes.
One of the main design features of Singapore’s new submarines is their ability to execute special forces missions, as noted by submarine expert H I Sutton on the defense news portal Navalnews.com.
The submarines are equipped with a Horizontal Multi-Purpose Airlock capable of launching torpedoes, divers, and special forces (commandos), aimed at countering terrorist threats.
They also have the option to be fitted with a Vertical Multi-Purpose Airlock for launching missiles vertically.
Some regional analysts speculate that Singapore is preparing its navy to potentially operate Tomahawk cruise missiles if necessary.
Singapore’s Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen remarked that, with the navies of India, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia expanding their submarine fleets, Singapore’s acquisition of four Type 218SG submarines from Germany is a “prudent move.” — DSA