 Rendering of the Type 218SG submarine of theRepublic of Singapore Navy. | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) -Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft |
| Operators |  Republic of Singapore Navy |
| Preceded by | Archer class |
| Built | 2014–present[1] |
| Planned | 6[2][3] |
| Completed | 4[2] |
TheInvincible-class submarines, formally classified as theType 218SG submarines, is a class of conventionally-poweredattack submarines on order by theRepublic of Singapore Navy (RSN) from German-based naval conglomerateThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).[6] Tailored to the operational requirements of the RSN, the model is derivative of the export-orientedType 214 submarine, with specific design characteristics drawn fromType 212 submarines.[7] They feature several capabilities, including a substantial level of automation, a significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance and superlativeergonomics.[8]
Singapore'sMinistry of Defense (MINDEF) ordered a total of four Type 218SG submarines, of which two were ordered in 2013 and two more in 2017, as a replacement to the RSN's existingChallenger-class andArcher-class submarines.[9] Having been built and launched between 2019 and 2024, the class comprises four submarines, namely, theInvincible, theImpeccable, theIllustrious and theInimitable; of the four, the first is currently utilized for the training of the RSN's submariners, while the second and third are undergoing local sea trials aimed at achieving operationalization.[10] The RSN plans to have all four submarines in active service by 2024.[11]
The design of the Type 218SG was jointly created byDefence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA),ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and theRepublic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The design of the submarines is highly customised—conceived to fulfill specific naval requirements of the RSN—including naval operations in littoral waters, guardingsea lines of communication (SLOC),intelligence-gathering (ISTAR) andspecial operations.[12] The design is believed to be based on theType 214 export-centric submarine, with design inferences from theType 212 submarine—both of which were designed by TKMS.[13] The design of the Type 218SG is also believed to have been influenced by theType 216 submarine concept.[14]
The Type 218SG has a length of 70 metres (229 ft 8 in) and abeam of 6.3 metres (20 ft 8 in), with an overalldisplacement of about 2,000 t when surfaced and 2,200 t while submerged. It has an estimated speed of about 10knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) while surfaced and 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) while submerged.[15]
The Type 218SG features several unique characteristics, such as:
Current details about the Type 218SG's armament are scant and almost non-existent; however, it is understood that the submarine features eight 533-millimetre (21.0 in) and two 650-millimetre (26 in) forward-firingtorpedo tubes— (same configuration with Israel'sDolphin-II submarines) which may be used for firingheavyweight torpedoes,anti-ship missiles and for layingnaval mines, as well as a dedicated horizontal air-lock, to disembark naval special forces teams.[25] TheBlack Shark Advanced heavyweight torpedo produced byWASS is speculated to have been integrated on the Type 218SG, as the Republic of Singapore Navy previously acquired a number of Black Shark torpedoes (for use on its two Archer-class submarines) and is reportedly upgrading them to the new Black Shark Advanced standard.[26][27]
The Type 218SG is reported to have a greater ordnance payload (and essentially greater firepower) than the RSN's previous submarines, owing to its much larger size.[28]
Not much about the Type 218SG's sensors and automation have ever been reported by Singapore; however, it is understood the submarines are equipped with a "Combat Management System" (CMS) jointly developed by German-based Atlas Elektronik and Singapore-based ST Electronics, along with data analytics and decision support engines developed by the DSTA.[29]
The high levels of sophisticated automation and decision-making systems allows the submarines to run on three 8-hour shifts (instead of two 12-hour shifts), thus allowing the crew more rest to endure prolonged underwater missions.[30] Unlike most submariners, crew of the submarines do not share their beds "hot-bunking" with others, except when a naval special forces detachment is onboard, also a similar arrangement found on the Israeli Navy'sDolphin-II class submarines.
Given its sophisticated automation, each submarine is crewed by only twenty-eight sailors—a number similar to the RSN's other smaller submarines, but fewer than other contemporary conventional submarines.[21]
In November 2013, Singapore'sMinistry of Defense (MINDEF) selected the Type 218SG design, offered by TKMS, as a replacement to the RSN's existing submarine fleet, siding an offer of three conventionally-powered submarines (presumably theScorpène-class submarine) from French-based naval conglomerateDirection des Constructions Navales (nowNaval Group).[31][32] On 29 November 2013, MINDEF officially contracted TKMS to supply two Type 218SG submarines, along with a training and logistics package, at an estimated cost of US$1.36 billion.[33] The order for the two submarines bore noteworthy significance for being the RSN's first-ever order for new custom-built submarines, since the service had previously relied on the acquisitions of the second-handChallenger-class and theArcher-class submarines.[34] The purchase of the two submarines was officially announced on 2 December 2013.[35] According to the terms of the contract, the two submarines were initially scheduled to be delivered between 2020 and 2021.[36]
On 16 May 2017, Singapore'sminister of defenceNg Eng Hen announced that the RSN had placed an additional order for two more Type 218SG submarines, with additional arrangements of logistics and crew-training, bringing the total number of its ordered submarines to four.[37] According to the terms of the contract, the two additional submarines are to be delivered between 2024 and 2025.[38] In January 2023, it was reported that the cost of the purchase would be USD$1.8 billion.[39]
In December 2021, German news outletDer Spiegel reported that theGerman government, headed by then-outgoingchancellorAngela Merkel, had sanctioned a series of last-minute arms deals, including the export of an additional Type 218SG to Singapore.
Nevertheless, the authenticity of the deal is yet to be verified by the RSN and TKMS. Singapore has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of a fifth Invincible-class submarine.[40][41][42]
The construction of the first submarine began in 2014, with a steel cutting ceremony at TKMS's shipyard inKiel,Germany.[43] The first submarine, christened as theInvincible, was launched in an elaborate ceremony on 18 February 2019, with defense minister Ng Eng Hen and representatives of the RSN in attendance.[44] During the ceremony, Ng revealed the names of the other three submarines, namely,Impeccable,Illustrious andInimitable.[45]Invincible began its initialsea trials in September 2020, with its planned delivery date scheduled for 2020.[46] However, in June 2020, Ng announced that the delivery ofInvincible had been postponed to 2022, owing to restrictions caused by theCOVID-19 pandemic.[47]
The construction of the second ordered batch began in January 2018, commencing with the steel-cutting ceremony of the third submarine,Illustrious, which was attended by representatives from TKMS and the DSTA.[48][49]
In April 2021, German news outletLübecker Nachrichten reported that a Type 218SG submarine, presumably either theInvincible or theImpeccable, had suffered fire outbreak during its sea trials.[50] Nevertheless, the submarine in question wasn't reported to have been seriously damaged, nor were the crew reported to have sustained injuries.[50]
One year later, in November 2022, during a one-day visit by German chancellorOlaf Scholz to Singapore, Singaporeanprime ministerLee Hsien Loong announced that the second and third submarines of the class, namely, theImpeccable and theIllustrious, would be launched in December of that year.[51][52] The two boats were launched in an elaboratelaunching ceremony at TKMS's Kiel shipyard on 13 December, which was attended by Lee, Scholz and Singaporeanminister of foreign affairsVivian Balakrishnan.[53]
In May 2023,Impeccable, which had completed its sea trials earlier that year, was loaded onto aheavy-lift transport ship, theRolldock Storm, for the transit trip to Singapore.[54] Departing Kiel on 1 June, theRolldock Storm undertook a one-month voyage, arriving in Singapore on 7 July, where it was unloaded the day after.[55] Later that month, MINDEF announced thatImpeccable would undergo a new set of local sea trials and workup aimed at achieving operationalization prior to its commissioning later in the year.[56] The final boat, theInimitable, was launched by Singapore'sSenior Minister andCoordinating Minister for National SecurityTeo Chee Hean in April 2024.[57]
In March 2025, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced a plan for the Singapore Armed Forces to purchase 2 additional Invincible-Class submarines, bringing the total number of submarines purchased to six, up from four previously.[58]
| Name | Builder | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSS Invincible |  GermanyThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) | 18 February 2019[59] | 24 September 2024 | Active.[10] |
| RSSImpeccable | 13 December 2022 | 24 September 2024 | Active[10][60] | |
| RSSIllustrious | 13 December 2022 | 2023 (Scheduled) | Launched[60] | |
| RSSInimitable | 22 April 2024[61] | 2024 (Scheduled) | Launched[61] Christened in April 2024.[62] |
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