Launch of first Type 218SG submarine for Singapore scheduled on 18 February 2019

A CGI of the Type 218SG submarine for the RSN. Photo c/o Singapore MINDEF.

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) confirmed that the first of four Type 218SG large diesel-electric attack submarine will be launched on 18 February 2019 in Germany.

Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen would personally officiate the launching ceremonies.

The submarines are being constructed in Germany by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), with an estimated cost of around  US$800 million for each submarine, and the first of the class is expected to be delivered to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) by 2021.

The Type 218SG were customized to suit Singapore’s needs, which was said to be the main reason for its selection over other offers from Sweden and France. They are equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, and are designed to stay longer underwater than the RSN’s current Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines acquired second-hand from Sweden.

The submarines are 70 meters long, has a submerged displacement of 2,200 tons, and has a maximum underwater speed in excess of 15 knots.



[1] Straits Times
[2] Channel NewsAsia
[3] Singapore Ministry of Defence