Page 17 - ADT AUG - OCT 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP

UNDERSEA QUEST

A new generation of highly sophisticated conventional

submarines will change the balance of undersea power

By ATUL CHANDRA
T he Indo-Pacific region The Republic of Singapore Navy’s The first of the class, “Invincible,”

features the largest
was launched in Kiel, Germany, in
(RSN) first two Type 218SG
concentrations of conven-
tional diesel-electric submarines Invincible-class submarines, RSS February 2019 and is one of the
four Invincible-class submarines
Invincible and RSS Impeccable are
(SSK) in the world. Rising regional now fully operational. Singapore’s ordered by Singapore. This was
tensions are driving the acquisi- new Prime Minister and Minister followed by the double launching of
tion of advanced new-generation for Finance Lawrence Wong offici- the “Impeccable” and “Illustrious”
SSKs fitted with Air Independent ated the commissioning ceremony in December 2022. The fourth
Propulsion (AIP). Singapore today of the first two Invincible-class boat “Inimitable” was launched in
operates the most sophisticated April 2024 and will be handed over
conventional submarines in the Submarines at RSS Singapura – in 2025 after intensive testing.
region, along with India, Malaysia, Changi Naval Base in September. The RSN’s Type 218SG subma-
South Korea and Japan. While The construction of the RSN’s other rines feature an exceptionally low
India has a longstanding history of two Invincible-class submarines, signature and are designed for
operating conventional and nuclear Illustrious and Inimitable, is pro- operations in Singapore’s shallow
submarines. The Philippines is now gressing apace in Germany and are and busy tropical waters. These
eyeing entry into the exclusive club expected to be inducted into service submarines are fitted with an
of nations that operate SSKs. in 2028. advanced AIP system that gives
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY AUGUST - OCTOBER 2024 | 17