Singapore Bolsters Naval Might with Two More Type 218SG Submarines, Expanding Fleet to Six

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Singapore is making a bold move to expand its undersea arsenal, setting its sights on acquiring two more state-of-the-art Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines—a powerful addition to the four cutting-edge vessels it had previously procured from Germany, announced by its Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen.

The Republic had inked a landmark deal in 2017 for the construction of four Invincible-class submarines, a fleet designed to push the limits of underwater warfare dominance.

Two of them—RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable—were fully operationalized in September last year, marking a new era in Singapore’s naval capabilities. Yet, as Dr. Ng pointed out, four submarines are simply not enough.

The demands of modern naval warfare, relentless operational cycles, and the unforgiving environment beneath the waves mean that a larger, more formidable fleet is essential.

“Our submarines undergo more rigorous and frequent maintenance cycles with stringent checks. As you can imagine, they operate under immense pressure—literally.”

“This means their operational availability is reduced. That is why most navies operating submarines maintain more than four, including our regional neighbors such as Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam,” he added.

Having proven their dominance in the unforgiving depths of tropical waters, Singapore’s Invincible-class submarines have shattered expectations—paving the way for an even bolder expansion.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is now set to fortify its underwater strike force, with plans to acquire two additional units, bringing its formidable fleet to a total of six as the new operational benchmark.

This latest acquisition will significantly elevate the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) undersea warfare prowess, reinforcing its position as a maritime power in the region.

Singapore’s elite quartet of Type 218SG submarines—Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable—are technological marvels, procured through two strategic contracts with German shipbuilding giant ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in 2013 and 2017.

Designed for supremacy, these state-of-the-art vessels were tailor-made to suit Singapore’s precise operational needs.

Among their cutting-edge features is an X-shaped rudder, a game-changing innovation that grants unmatched agility and maneuverability, even in the shallowest and most congested waters.

Naval experts across the region hail Singapore’s Invincible-class submarines as Southeast Asia’s most advanced, largest, and deadliest underwater assets.

Their design, strikingly similar to Israel’s Dolphin-2 class submarines—also crafted by TKMS’s subsidiary, Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)—suggests they may share highly sophisticated sensor and combat systems, further amplifying their lethal edge.

With a displacement of approximately 2,200 tons, Singapore’s Type 218SG submarines can remain submerged 50 percent longer than the country’s existing submarines. They are also equipped with significantly more advanced weapons and sensor systems.

Each submarine measures 70 meters in length, over 6 meters in width, and is capable of speeds of 15 knots while submerged.

Their eight torpedo tubes can launch 533mm torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles.

Additionally, they are fitted with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) using Fuel Cell technology, which enables them to stay underwater significantly longer than conventional diesel-electric submarines.

Beyond expanding its submarine fleet, Singapore is also enhancing its naval and aerial capabilities.

Dr. Ng announced that the Republic has launched its first Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) out of a planned fleet of six, with deliveries beginning this year.

Additionally, Singapore plans to replace its aging Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, which have served for three decades, with newer platforms such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon or the Airbus C295 MPA.

The SAF is also upgrading its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) with new-generation rockets to bolster its land-based strike capabilities.

Singapore’s defence budget for 2025 has been set at US$17.3 billion (RM77 billion), representing a 12 percent increase from 2024.

This significant boost underscores Singapore’s commitment to strengthening its military readiness amid an evolving security landscape.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA