Singapore Navy commissions first two Invincible-class submarines

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s first two Invincible-class submarines have been officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone a quarter of a century after the Republic first embarked on its submarine journey.

The RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable were commissioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a ceremony on 24 September. This marked a new chapter for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which had previously operated only second-hand submarines from Sweden.

The latest submarines, built to RSN specifications by Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), carry smaller crews yet are more agile than previous generations of RSN submarines thanks to advanced technology on board.

“They are quieter, more durable and better armed than anything we have had before,” Prime Minister Wong said at the ceremony.

In his speech, Prime Minister Wong said that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) must continue to develop if it is to be a strong and credible deterrent. This includes systematic and sustained efforts to improve the SAF’s capabilities.

The RSN is at the forefront of this transformation. In 1967, the RSN evolved from a fleet of two wooden boats to the current, highly advanced and integrated navy.

“As a maritime nation, Singapore’s survival and prosperity depend on free and unimpeded movement across the seas,” said PM Wong, who is also the Minister for Finance. “The RSN plays a critical role in keeping our sea lanes open and safe.”

The entry into service of the RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable comes a decade after Singapore first announced in 2013 that it had placed an order for two diesel-electric submarines – then designated Type 218SG by TKMS – and two more in 2017.

It is also 25 years since Singapore purchased and modernized its first four submarines from the Royal Swedish Navy. The RSN renamed them the Challenger class.

From then on, the RSN invested steadily, strategically and over the long term to improve its capabilities in both hardware and personnel, learning from others and applying best practices to the local context, PM Wong said.

This trip is emblematic of the SAF and Singapore’s approach to improving themselves and integrating new capabilities into the broader system. Together, the impact is greater than the sum of the parts, added Prime Minister Wong as he paid tribute to the Republic’s submarine pioneers.

“Over the years, our submarines have gained the experience and expertise to build more robust capabilities,” he said. “Today, we are confident that we can not only acquire new submarines, but also customize them to our specific operational requirements.”

Colonel Fong Chi Onn, commander of the RSN’s 7th Flotilla, told ST that the specific requirements of the Invincible class stem from the Navy’s many years of experience operating submarines in local and regional waters.

The submarines were designed taking into account, among other things, the increased salinity and warmth of the local water, he noted.

An Invincible class submarine is 70 meters long and has a displacement of 2,000 tons. It is powered by lead-acid batteries during underwater operations, while diesel engines propel the boat on the surface and charge the batteries.

Mindef has said the new submarines have cutting-edge capabilities, including more automation and 50 percent greater underwater endurance than the previous Archer-class submarines, which are said to have a six-week lifespan.

The boats also feature improved ergonomics that are more in keeping with Singapore’s build. For example, the screens for the operators’ control panels are positioned at more comfortable heights than on the previous Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines, while valves and controls are also easier to reach.

They were designed from the outset to accommodate 28 female crew members. Improved accommodation facilities mean that crew members no longer have to share their bunks.

PM Wong said the SAF will continue to integrate new capabilities in the coming years to ensure it is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. These include the F-35 stealth aircraft expected to arrive from 2026 onwards, as well as the next-generation howitzers that will sharpen its artillery capabilities.

As modern warfare moves into cyberspace and technology, so will the SAF, he added during the ceremony, which was also attended by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, Chief of the Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat and other senior defence officials.

“We too are preparing for these new frontiers, including by developing autonomous capabilities and equipping our soldiers to counter threats in the digital domain,” Prime Minister Wong said.

The two remaining Invincible-class submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, were launched in Germany in December 2022 and April 2024 respectively, and are expected to return to Singapore in 2028.