Photo: Singapore MINDEF
Singapore will procure two additional Type 218SG diesel-electric submarines, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced in a parliamentary statement on Monday (Mar. 3). The acquisition will expand the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) submarine fleet from four to six vessels....
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Singapore will procure two additional Type 218SG diesel-electric submarines, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced in a parliamentary statement on Monday (Mar. 3). The acquisition will expand the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) submarine fleet from four to six vessels. The first two Type 218SG submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were commissioned in September 2024 as part of an earlier programme to equip the RSN with four such boats.
Ng explained that the decision to acquire more submarines was influenced by the operational demands of maintaining an effective underwater force. He noted that submarines require frequent and rigorous maintenance, which reduces their availability for operations. "Our submarines undergo more rigorous and frequent maintenance cycles with stringent checks. As you can imagine, they operate under immense pressure—literally. This means their operational availability is reduced. That is why most navies operating submarines maintain more than four, including our regional neighbours such as Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam," he said.
Singapore's Type 218SG submarines were procured through agreements with German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in 2013 and 2017. The submarines feature an X-shaped rudder for improved manoeuvrability in shallow waters and are equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion using fuel cell technology, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods. Each vessel has a displacement of approximately 2,200 tonnes, measures 70 metres in length, and is capable of speeds of up to 15 knots while submerged. They are armed with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Beyond its submarine fleet expansion, Singapore is modernising its naval and aerial capabilities. The country has launched its first Multi-Role Combat Vessel, with six planned in total. It is also assessing replacements for its ageing Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, with options including the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and Airbus C295 MPA. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is upgrading its High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) with next-generation munitions to enhance land-based strike capabilities.
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