Two Type 218SG Invincible-class diesel-electric attack submarines for Singapore launched

 

The Type 218SG submarine "Illustrious" during its launch at TKMS yard in Kiel, Germany. Photo c/o Chen Chuanren.

German naval shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has launched two Type 218SG diesel-electric attack submarines being built for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The ceremonies were held at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany on 13 December 2022, with a high calibre guest list of 350 people including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Singapore Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen, and several senior representatives from Singapore and Germany.

The two submarines were named "Impeccable" and "Illustrious", which are second and third ships of the Invincible-class.

A total of four submarines were ordered by Singapore, shared between two contracts of two submarines each. 

The Type 218SG Invincible-class are considered as one of the most modern diesel-electric submarines in the world, and features several new technology and solutions that are customized for the Republic of Singapore Navy.

This includes a high level of automation that allows for a reduced crew, low acoustic signature, an enlarged payload capacity compared to the submarines it would be replacing, enhanced underwater endurance with the use of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module, and the use of an X-shaped stern rudder for improved performance in coastal and shallow waters.

The Invincible-class are the largest submarines built by TKMS at around 70 meters long, and a displacement of  around 2,000 tons, and are based on an enlarged Type 214 design with changes to suit Singapore's requirements.

The 4 new submarines will replace Singapore's existing fleet, which consists of two remaining Challenger-class (ex-Sjoormen-class) and two Archer-class (ex-Vastergotland-class) submarines, both classes of which were formerly from the Swedish Navy.

Each submarine has eight 533 millimetre (21 inch) and two 650 millimetre (26 inch) forward-firing torpedo tubes that can be used to fire heavyweight torpedoes, submarine-launched anti-ship missiles, and naval mines.

Aside from the launching, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems also signed a partnership agreement with Singapore's ST Engineering which allows for a long-term cooperation between the two companies and allow warranty servicing and in-house support for the Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines, which would allow improved sustainability during the course of their operational lifespan.

[1] Naval News
[2] Channel News Asia
[3] Mothership SG