Page 13 - ADT APRIL 2022 Online Magazine

is a commendable achievement, considering that these are the
first ever Scorpene submarines to receive a refit outside France.
Engineering and obsolescence management for the submarines
is being undertaken by BHIC, though no major systems were
upgraded over the course of the refit. The refit takes 18 months
and work on both submarines was contracted to BHIC at 1.8 billion
MYR. The two submarines were delivered in January and October [ COVER STORY ]
2009 respectively, following a 2002 order worth approximately 1
billion Euro. Under the terms of the original Scorpene submarine
contract, BHIC was to complete the refit of both Scorpene sub-
marines in Sepangar Naval Base and ensure that the submarines
are safe to dive after the refit.

The Malaysian Defence Ministry is soon expected to conduct an
open tender for the maintenance contract of the two Scorpene
submarines. Malaysia’s regional neighbours such as Singapore
and Indonesia have also procured submarines with respectable
operating tempos.

Singapore
Singapore entered the depths with the commissioning of the RSS
Conqueror in July 2000. The Republic of Singapore Navy currently
operates four refurbished Challenger- and Archer-class subma-
rines. They will be replaced by four advanced, custom-built Type
218SG submarines by German defence contractor Thyssenkrupp
Marine Systems, the first of which is slated to be delivered starting
next year. These older subs had been purchased secondhand in the
1990s and 2010s from Sweden and they were later modernized with
air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems for Singaporean service.
Singapore’s highly capable Type 218SG submarine program illus-
trates the lengths the small island nation is willing to go to maintain
one of the most advanced navies in Asia—and to retain the city-
state’s technical edge in the ever-more-competitive undersea
environment. The Type 218SG, also known as the Invincible class,
will help defend Singapore and secure access to its sea lines of
communication.

The new 218SG submarines are part of the RSN's long-term
capability development and submarine force renewal programme.
The RSN has operated the current submarine fleet, built in the
in the South China Sea. The Perdana Menteri 1960s, for about two decades and gained operational experience
(Scorpene)-class submarine, KD Tun Razak, in our local waters. The Type 218SG submarines will be the first
launched an Exocet SM39 Block II anti-ship new-build submarine tailored to meet the RSN's unique operating
missile while it was submerged. conditions, and will enhance the RSN's capability to better protect
Singapore's waters and safeguard our access to the sea lines of
The first RMN Scorpene submarine KD Tunku communication. Singapore launched first of the four new Type
Abdul Rahman resumed operation in May 218SG submarines, ‘Invincible’ last year.
2018, following the completion of an extensive
in-country refit undertaken by Boustead Heavy The Type 218SG submarines are equipped with significantly
Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC). These improved capabilities such as modern combat systems and Air
teardrop-hulled, 20-knot boats are optimised Independent Propulsion systems. They will also be able to carry a
for operations in Southeast Asia’s warm and wider range of mission payloads. The Type 218SG submarines also
saline waters. Six torpedo tubes can launch incorporate design innovation and advanced maintenance and engi-
Blackshark 553mm wire guided torpedoes, and neering concepts to optimise training, operation and maintenance
SM39 Exocet anti-shipping cruise missiles. costs. The submarine programme is progressing well with the first
being launched and second submarine having commenced con-
The refit for the Scorpene Class submarine struction, and the remaining two Type 218SG submarines having
is undertaken every eight years. And the commenced steel-cutting in January 2018.
completion of this task by BHIC in Malaysia The submarines are projected to be delivered from 2022 onwards.

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY April 2022 | 13