Singapore commissions two new submarines as Asia's undersea rivalry grows
A view of RSS Invincible during a commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first and second Invincible-class submarines Invincible (INV) and Impeccable (IPB) at the Changi Naval Base in Singapore September 24, 2024
Singapore commissioned two new advanced submarines on Tuesday, vessels its navy says are meant to protect sea lines of communication, and which experts said would range beyond the waters of the tiny city-state to keep tabs on the region. The country's fifth and sixth submarines, the Invincible and the Impeccable, were ordered from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in 2013 in a 1-billion-euro deal and join older Archer- and Challenger-class boats.
They represent a technological step forward for Singapore's fleet, experts say, allowing the wealthy Southeast Asian nation to operate farther from shore using fewer sailors, and making its craft among the quietest in the region. "They are an excellent force multiplier," said Colonel Fong Chi Onn, commander of Singapore's submarine flotilla. "And for a country as small as ours, we need all the force multipliers we can get."
The two new Invincible-class submarines were moored at adjoining piers, decked in colourful naval pennants, with their X-shaped rudders peeking from the water, for Tuesday's event at Changi Naval Base. "Singapore's survival and prosperity depend on free and unimpeded movement over the seas," Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said as he commissioned the vessels in a ceremony watched by their crew and military dignitaries in white dress uniforms.
Singapore navy’s first two Invincible-class submarines fully operational after commissioning
The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first two Invincible-class submarines - named Invincible and Impeccable - are now fully operational following a commissioning ceremony on Sep 24, 2024
The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first two Invincible-class submarines - named Invincible and Impeccable - are now fully operational following a commissioning ceremony on Tuesday (Sep 24). Prime Minister Lawrence Wong officiated the ceremony which was held at Changi Naval Base.
The event was witnessed by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Together with the RSN’s existing fleet of submarines, ships and units, the two Invincible-class submarines will fulfil a wide spectrum of operations to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security, said MINDEF in a news release.
Built and launched in Kiel, Germany, the Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. "Custom-built for Singapore’s needs, these submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and optimised ergonomics," said MINDEF. It added that the development of the other two Invincible-class submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, is "progressing well" in Germany, and are expected to return to Singapore by 2028.
S’pore Navy commissions first two Invincible-class submarines
RSS Impeccable and its crew seen during the commissioning parade at Changi Naval Base on Sept 24
Singapore’s first two Invincible-class submarines have officially entered service, achieving a major milestone a quarter of a century after the Republic first embarked on its submarine journey.
The RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable were commissioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a ceremony on Sept 24, marking a new chapter for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which had previously operated only second-hand submarines acquired from Sweden.
The latest submarines, built to the RSN’s specifications by Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), are more capable and manoeuvrable than earlier generations of RSN submarines, without requiring a larger crew. “They are quieter, more durable and better armed than anything we’ve had before,” said PM Wong at the ceremony.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Commissions the first two Invincible-class Submarines RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable
Prime Minister (PM) and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong delivered an address at the joint commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first and second Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and Impeccable
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong officiated the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s first two Invincible-class Submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base today. Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) were also present to witness the ceremony.
RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable are now fully operational. Together with the RSN’s existing fleet of submarines, ships and units, they will fulfil a wide spectrum of operations to safeguard Singapore’s waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security. Built and launched in Kiel, Germany, the Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. Custom-built for Singapore’s needs, these submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and optimised ergonomics. The development of our other two Invincible-class submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, is progressing well in Germany, and are expected to return to Singapore by 2028.
To commemorate the commissioning of the first two Invincible-class submarines, a new orchid hybrid was named after the Invincible-class submarines in a ceremony held in RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. The ceremony was attended by the lady sponsors of the Invincible-class submarines, Mdm Ho Ching, Dr Ivy Ng, and Ms Teo Swee Lian. Following the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited RSS Impeccable, where he was briefed on its systems and capabilities. He also interacted with personnel from RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable. He was hosted by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat.
SM Teo visiting Germany for launch of Singapore's 4th Invincible-class submarine
The Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters, and feature an X-shaped stern rudder for more precise manoeuvres
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean is visiting Germany for the launch of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) fourth Invincible-class submarine, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Saturday (Apr 20).
Mr Teo, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security, will make the working visit to Kiel and Berlin from Apr 21 to Apr 24. He will officiate the launch of the submarine, named Inimitable, in Kiel and meet German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius.
In December 2022, the RSN launched the second and third of its new Invincible-class submarines, named Impeccable and Illustrious. The first - Invincible - was launched in 2019 at a ceremony held at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel.
4 submarines, similar to Invincible-class submarines ordered by Singapore, cost about S$2.4 billion: MINDEF
The new Invincible-class Type 218SG submarine Impeccable after its christening in Kiel, Germany on Dec 13, 2022. (Photo: AFP/Gregor Fischer)
Four submarines, similar to the Invincible-class ones ordered by Singapore, cost about S$2.4 billion, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Monday (Jan 9).
In a written answer to a question from MP Gerald Giam (WP-Aljunied) about the cost of the submarines, Dr Ng said the Defence Ministry (MINDEF) does not provide precise amounts for the cost of acquisition or maintenance of its military assets. This might indirectly disclose the capabilities of components such as added weapon or protection systems, he added. Taking reference from other militaries of Turkey and Korea, which have acquired similar submarines, each submarine costs about S$600 million at the time of purchase, or S$2.4 billion for four.
He said the total amount is comparable to a fleet of 12 F-15 fighter jets in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Maintenance cost per year is about 2 per cent to 3 per cent of the capital cost of the submarines, he added. In December last year, two new Invincible-class submarines were christened by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Named Impeccable and Illustrious, the submarines are the second and third of four customised Type 218SG submarines built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for MINDEF.
Fact Sheet: Invincible-Class Submarines
The newly launched Invincible-class submarines will join the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s surface fleet to protect Singapore and secure access to her sea lines of communication. These new submarines are customised for our operating environment, particularly the shallow and busy waters in our region. As the overall programme manager, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) had also pushed boundaries in the front-end design of the submarines and in the integration of its combat and platform systems.
Named Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable, the new submarines will form the strategic edge of Singapore's defence. The submarines are expected to be delivered from 2021 onwards and will replace the current Archer and Challenger-class submarines, which the RSN has operated for over two decades.
CHARACTERISTICS:
- Better Mission Capabilities. The Invincible-class submarines are equipped with significantly improved capabilities. They will be fitted with Air Independent Propulsion systems based on Fuel Cell Technology, which will allow the submarines to stay submerged about 50% longer. They will also carry a wider range of mission payloads.
- See Further, Act faster. Modern combat systems and more capable sensors, with linkages to the RSN and wider SAF, will enable the new submarines to have improved wide-area awareness. Together with advanced automation and indigenously-developed sense-making systems in combat and platform suites, the new submarines will have enhanced situational awareness and accelerated decision-making support systems, allowing submariners to rapidly orientate themselves, decide on the best course of action, and act. The sense-making systems include data analytics and decision support engines developed by DSTA.
- Holistic Design Approach. The Invincible-class submarines incorporate design innovation and advanced maintenance and engineering concepts to optimise training, operation and maintenance costs. Factors such as ergonomics optimised for Asian bodies and systems for tropical operations, such as air-conditioning systems, were considered in the design of the submarines. Modelling and simulation studies were also conducted by DSTA to optimise the design, equipment selection and their layout to reduce maintenance efforts.
Submariners face huge challenges underwater - where there's no margin for error
Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala 402. (Photo: Facebook/Pusat Penerangan TNI)
In a region where many nations are according high priority to acquiring a submarine force, the tragic loss of Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala reminds us how challenging submarine operations can be.
There is no doubt submarines possess unique offensive powers. Their ability to attack unseen creates immediate challenges for any would-be aggressor, no matter how powerful its own fleet. Even a single submarine can be a deterrent. But operating submarines can be a costly, complex undertaking. For one, investing in a submarine force requires commitment to substantial, long-term investment in both personnel and maintenance.
After all, submariners must be trained to understand the operation and interaction of every system in their boat and practised in every possible contingency until their responses become instinctive. All this before they learn to operate their boat as a weapons system in a demanding underwater domain.
Singapore navy launches second and third Invincible-class submarines
Illustrious, one of the Invincible-class submarines launched by Singapore on Dec 13, 2022. Foto: CNA/Vanessa Lim
With a smash of champagne bottles against their hulls, two new Invincible-class submarines were christened by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) on Tuesday (Dec 13).
Named Impeccable and Illustrious, the submarines are the second and third of four customised Type 218SG submarines built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). The first - Invincible - was launched in 2019 at a ceremony also held at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel.
Tuesday's ceremony was officiated by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Following a long-standing naval tradition, the two submarines were launched by a lady sponsor, Mr Lee’s wife Ho Ching. The ceremony was also witnessed by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and defence chiefs from Singapore and Germany.
'Submarines like BMWs': A closer look at the Navy’s newest, custom-made German submarine
Type 218SG submarines. (Photo: MINDEF/Facebook)
More than 30m under the waters around Singapore, where light hardly penetrates the murky depths, noise is perhaps the last thing you would expect. But the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) latest submarine, the Type 218SG, hears and senses a cacophony of chatter. Not of people, but of the 2,000 ships that sail through the Singapore Strait every day.
“Many of the boats in the world are not designed for such environments: Warm, shallow, noisy, crowded,” RSN’s head of naval operations Cheong Kwok Chien told Channel NewsAsia in an exclusive interview on Saturday (Jun 30). “The operating environment makes a lot of difference to a submariner, and if you design a boat meant for this type of environment, you can make a lot of difference to whoever you’re up against.” And so the RSN searched all over the world for a submarine that could replace its ageing Archer-class and Challenger-class predecessors. A submarine that could truly be made for Singapore from scratch.
“We’ve operated second-hands for 20 years,” Rear-Admiral (RADM) Cheong said of the retrofitted Swedish submarines. “Over 20 years, we’ve built up knowledge of what a submarine would be that’s designed for local waters.” In the end the Germans, masters of the submarine craft, “offered the best deal” in terms of technology, logistics, training and knowledge exchange. It has been reported that the contract for the first two Type 218SGs is worth more than 1 billion euros (S$1.6 billion).
Singapore buys new “BMW” submarines
Ng: Timely to buy new “BMW” submarines in response to China, Indonesia, Thailand, India, S Korea
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his wife, Ivy Ng who is the CEO of SingHealth, were in Germany yesterday (18 Feb) to launch Singapore's first Type 218SG advanced submarine, which has much more firepower.
The submarine built by the German defence contractor Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has many advanced capabilities and was named "Invincible" by MINDEF. It is one of the 4 submarines ordered from MINDEF. The other 3, named "Impeccable", "Illustrious" and "Inimitable", will be delivered from 2022.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ng said that Singapore faces threats in the maritime domain, including terrorism, the shipping of illegal arms, weapons of mass destruction and people, as well as piracy.
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