The homecoming ceremony for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Invincible-class submarine (formally classified as the Type 218SG submarines), Illustrious, was held yesterday at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. The homecoming ceremony for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Invincible-class submarine, Illustrious, was held yesterday at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. Fleet Commander RADM Kwan Hon Chuong, senior RSN officers and submariners were present to witness the homecoming ceremony.
Launched in Kiel, Germany on 13 December 2022, Illustrious is one of the six Invincible-class submarines custom built for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. These submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and ergonomics optimised for the Asian physique. Their induction into the RSN will further enhance the RSN’s ability to safeguard Singapore and protect our vital sea lines of communication. The programme for three other Invincible-class submarines is proceeding as planned.
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.The Type 218SG 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.
