The Singapore Navy intends to purchase two additional German Type-218SG diesel-electric submarines.

This contract will increase the country’s fleet of this class to eight, according to Naval News.

“Four submarines are not the optimal fleet composition. They undergo frequent and rigorous maintenance and inspection cycles due to the high pressure they operate under, both literally and figuratively.

That is why most navies with submarines have more than four,” said Singapore’s Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen.

Singapore is also considering acquiring new maritime patrol aircraft, either the Boeing P-8A Poseidon or the Airbus C-295, to replace its aging fleet of Fokker 50 aircraft, which have been in service for over 30 years.

The first Type-218SG submarine, Impeccable, arrived in Singapore in July 2023. These submarines are built by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

In 2017, Singapore ordered two more Type-218SGs.

The lead vessel of the Invincible class began sea trials in August 2020. In December 2022, Impeccable and Illustrious were formally launched.

Type-218SG Submarines

The Type-218SG is based on Germany’s Type-212/212A and Type-214 submarines.

It features an air-independent propulsion system, allowing extended underwater operations without surfacing for recharging.

With a displacement of approximately 2,000 tons, a hull length of 70 meters, and a maximum submerged speed of 15 knots, the submarine accommodates a crew of 28.

It is armed with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

The boats are also equipped with an advanced automated combat control system, developed by Germany’s Atlas Elektronik and Singapore Technologies Electronics, enhancing their combat effectiveness.