Singapore Is Becoming a Submarine Powerhouse

Summary: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has recently launched the RSS Inimitable, a Type 218SG Invincible-class diesel-electric submarine, at Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Kiel, Germany.

-This submarine, tailored for operations in Singapore’s unique shallow and busy tropical waters, represents a significant enhancement over older models with its advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and state-of-the-art navigational technologies.

-The RSS Inimitable will undergo sea trials before its delivery to Singapore, marking a crucial step in strengthening the nation's maritime defense capabilities in critical sea lanes like the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea.

Singapore Strengthens Naval Forces with Launch of New RSS Inimitable Submarine

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has expanded its submarine fleet with the launch of the RSS Inimitable, a Type 218SG Invincible-class diesel-electric submarine, at Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) facility.

-Designed specifically for operations in Singapore’s unique maritime environment, the Invincible-class subs feature advanced technologies like Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for enhanced endurance and maneuverability in shallow, congested waters.

-The submarine, which will undergo sea trials before its delivery to Singapore, represents a significant upgrade over Singapore’s older submarine assets and is tailored to ensure the nation’s security in strategically critical sea lanes.

At Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) facility in Kiel on the Baltic Coast, the future RSS Inimitable, a Type 218SG Invincible-class diesel-electric submarine, was launched in a ceremony earlier this week. When the boat enters service, however, it won't be with Germany's Kriegsmarine but rather will be the fourth of the boats in operation with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The Invincible-class submarines were "conceptualized and engineered jointly by the RSN, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and industry partner TKMS" specifically for operations in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters, and possess longer endurance and higher payloads.

"Following the launch, Inimitable will undergo a series of sea trials before delivery to Singapore," Singapore's Ministry of Defense announced.

The first-of-class RSS Invincible was launched in February 2019, followed by RSS Impeccable and RSS Illustrious in December 2022. It added that the second-of-class RSS Impeccable is now undergoing a series of local sea trials with plans for it to be commissioned later this year.

Singapore ordered the four Type 218SG submarines under two separate contracts announced in 2013 and 2017.

Singapore's Submarines are No Joke

Singapore's decision to acquire the Type 218SG boats was driven by several strategic needs that have been seen as critical to its nation's defense and security in its maritime domain. As noted, the subs were tailored to operate efficiently in Singapore's specific maritime conditions, which include shallow and busy tropical waters.

Their boats' design includes the advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, while a new rudder drive provides better maneuverability, making them well-suited for navigation in congested sea lanes like the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea –areas that are vital for international shipping and thus for the small island nation's trade-dependent economy .

As reported by Naval Recognition, the Invincible-class diesel-electric submarines have a surfaced displacement of 2,000 tons, increasing to 2,200 tons when submerged. The boats have a length of 70 meters and a beam of 6.3 meters. The propulsion system combines diesel-electric and AIP, which is further supported by two 120 kW PEM fuel cells. The Invincible-class subs can reach speeds of 10 knots surfaced and 20 knots submerged, while they were developed with an extended underwater endurance of 28 to 42 days without the need for surfacing.

Technological equipment includes a Combat Management System co-developed by Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics, complemented by DSTA-developed decision support systems that analyze data to assist in operational decisions. Armaments of the Type 218SG submarines consist of six 533 mm torpedo tubes and four 650 mm missile tubes, capable of deploying heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval mines.

The submarines are operated by a crew of 28 sailors and officers.

The RSN's current submarine fleet comprises two 1960s-vintage Challenger-class (ex-Sjoorman -class) diesel-electric acquired from Sweden in the mid-1990s along with two Archer-class (ex-Vastergotland-class) boats that were purchased in 2011-2013.

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