Singapore Navy acquires two additional Invincible-class submarines

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to acquire two additional Invincible-class (Type 218SG) submarines, expanding the Republic of Singapore Navy’s fleet to six by 2034. This procurement is part of a long-term renewal program aimed at enhancing Singapore’s maritime security and operational readiness, particularly in safeguarding critical sea lines of communication. The Invincible-class submarines are custom-designed for Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters, featuring high automation, advanced endurance, and ergonomic adaptation for local crew requirements. Two submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, have already been commissioned, while the third and fourth are undergoing trials in Germany and are expected in Singapore by 2028. Defense officials emphasized that increasing the fleet to six submarines aligns with practices in other regional navies and addresses maintenance demands that limit operational availability. The expanded fleet demonstrates both Singapore’s commitment to maritime defense and the deepening partnership with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.