The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) marked a significant milestone with the homecoming ceremony of diesel-electric/AIP attack submarine RSS Invincible at Changi Naval Base. The event, graced by Fleet Commander RADM Kwan Hon Chuong, along with senior RSN officers and submariners from the 7th Flotilla, celebrated the arrival of the lead vessel of the Invincible-class submarines. Launched on 18 February 2019 in Kiel, Germany, RSS Invincible represents the cutting-edge of submarine technology tailored specifically to meet the operational needs of the RSN. The Invincible-class submarines, classified as Type 218SG, are a product of collaboration between the RSN and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a renowned German naval conglomerate. These submarines are set to replace Singapore’s aging Challenger-class and Archer-class vessels, providing enhanced underwater capabilities for the future.
The Invincible-class submarines, formally classified as the Type 218SG submarines, has a length of 70 metres (229 ft 8 in) and a beam of 6.3 metres (20 ft 8 in), with an overall displacement of about 2,000 t when surfaced and 2,200 t while submerged. It has an estimated speed of about 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) while surfaced and 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) while submerged. The design is believed to be based on the Type 214 export-centric submarine, with design inferences from the Type 212 submarine—both of which were designed by TKMS. The design of the Type 218SG is also believed to have been influenced by the Type 216 submarine concept. They feature several capabilities, including a substantial level of automation, a significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance and superlative ergonomics.
The Invincible-class boasts a larger, oceangoing design compared to its predecessors. It incorporates advanced features such as Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and an innovative combat system developed by both Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics. Notably, the submarines are equipped with the “X” rudder, a design feature that improves maneuverability in confined littoral waters—a key advantage in Singapore’s maritime environment. Sharing similarities with Israel’s Dolphin 2-class submarines, the Invincible-class benefits from the deep military cooperation between the two nations. Both submarine classes are equipped with Horizontal Multi-Purpose Airlocks, enabling the launch of torpedoes, special forces teams, or cruise missiles. There is also the option for Vertical Multi-Purpose Airlocks, allowing the launch of missiles like the Tomahawk or Blue Spear while submerged.
The design of the Type 218SG was jointly created by Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The Invincible-class represents a fusion of technologies drawn from the German-designed Type 212 and Type 214 submarines, resulting in a vessel that offers high automation, increased payload capacity, and extended underwater endurance. Singapore’s Ministry of Defense has ordered a total of four submarines, with the Invincible leading the fleet. The remaining three—Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable—are set to be operational by 2024. With the Invincible now in Singapore and the others soon to follow, the RSN’s submarine fleet is poised for a new era of maritime dominance, ensuring the nation’s security and strategic interests are protected for decades to come.
