Singapore commissions two Type-218SG Invincible-class submarines

On the 24th of September 2024, Singapore commissioned the first two Type-218SG Invincible-Class SSK AIPs into the Republic of Singapore Navy service. In a morning ceremony, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong officiated the commissioning of the RSS Invincible and RSS Impecabble. 

Image: Naval News (Singapore MINDEF image)

As I’ve written in a previous post, two boats, the RSS Illustrious and RSS Inimitable remain in Kiel, Germany, where they are now expected to return to Singapore by 2028.

The Invincibles are the third generation of submarines to enter commission in the RSN, and are also the first built-for-purpose class, as the Challenger- and Archer -Class came from Kokum’s used submarine lot. The last two Challenger boats, RSS Conqurer and RSS Chieftan, are still in service, 55 years after their launch, and will soon be decommissioned. 

According to an article by defence correspondent Mike Yeo, the 2,000-tonne displacement Invincible-Class has 50% more underwater endurance than the six weeks of the Archer class, while automation has reduced its crew size to 28, all with their own berths (including female submariners).  

The RSN also upgraded its submarine simulator centre to train sailors to the new class, with trainees undergoing a nine-month training course that includes operations in a full-motion dive simulator, and training simulators for engineering, including a battery compartment.