Singapore launches first Invincible-class attack submarine

Launching of RSS Invincible at TKMS yard in Germany. Photo c/o ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

The Republic of Singapore Navy’s  (RSN) first Invincible-class diesel-electric attack submarine, the lead ship RSS Invincible, was launched last 18 February 2019 in a ceremony held at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ (TKMS) shipyard in Kiel, Germany.

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) also confirmed that the other 3 ships of the class will be named RSS Impeccable, RSS Illustrious and RSS Inimitable.

The Invincible-class submarine is based on TKMS’ Type 218SG design, which is a customized design based on RSN’s requirements. The 2,000-ton, 70-meter long RSS Invincible is expected to be delivered to the RSN by 2021, while the second submarine will be delivered in 2022. The other 2 submarines will be delivered from 2024.

The submarines were said to cost around US$800 million each, and are equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). It also benefits from high automation, requiring only 28 men to operate despite its size. 

The Invincible-class are the first brand new submarines of Singapore, and will replace the Challenger and Archer-classes of submarines currently operated by the RSN, which were all bought second hand from Sweden. 



[1] Straits Times
[2] Channel NewsAsi
[3] Naval Today