Singapore Defense Update 2025: Navy gets 2 more Invincible class Submarines, will launch first MRCV in 2025!

In his speech during Singapore Parliament's 2025 Supply Debate, Singapore's Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen announced a plan to purchase two more Invincible-class (Type-218SG) submarines, launch the first Multi-Role Combat Vessel, and purchase new Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

RSS Invincible, image courtesy: Republic of Singapore Navy

Two more Invincible-class (Type-218SG) Submarines

Minister Ng's announcement did not reveal any specific details on when the two new submarines will be ordered or delivered, but as of March 2025, two Invincible-class boats are in commission in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), while two boats remain in Kiel, Germany, one for crew training while the last boat fits out. Dr. Ng has indicated that he expects these four submarines to fully commission by 2028.

Considering the original two Invincible-class boats were ordered in 2013, the new third batch should see significant modifications to the design and incorporate new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and increased Unmanned Underwater Vessel (UUV) storage. 

The RSN's current commissioned submarine fleet consists of two Invincible-class and two Archer-class (ex-Vastergotland A17) boats, as the last two Challenger-class boats retired in late 2024, leaving the RSN with four operational AIP boats.

As I mentioned in my June 2023 article on the state of Singapore's submarine forces, the two Archer-class boats were purchased from Kockums in 2005, undertook a major refit that included the addition of a Stirling AIP module, and commissioned in 2011 and 2013. This should enable the Archer-class to remain viable boats into the early 2030s.

First MRCV to launch in late 2025

First MRCV keel laying, image: Naval News

Since my August 2024 update on Singapore's MultRole Combat Vessel (MRCV), the first keel was laid in late October 2024, and Dr. Ng has now confirmed that this vessel, which is still unnamed, will launch by the end of 2025. This is in-line with the previously mentioned 2028 commissioning date. 

My own opinion on the speed of the MRCV program is due to two primary factors:

1. The Victory-class missile corvettes are now 33 years old and worn out.

2. Once the MRCV construction program is completed, the yard will then switch to the production of the still mysterious Joint Multi Mission Ship (JMMS) program.

We should find out more about the MRCV program and perhaps JMMS, as the upcoming IMDEX Asia 2025.

New Maritime Patrol Aircraft

RSAF Fokker-50 MPA: image courtesy Republic of Singapore Air Force

Dr. Ng also announced a replacement program for Singapore's elderly Fokker-50 MPA, with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) "looking intently at appropriate replacements", including the Boeing P8 Poseidon and the Airbus C295. 

The RSAF has operated 5 Fokker-50 MPA since 1993, and their replacement could include long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles, as there has been rumours for a number of years that Singapore has purchased Elbit Hermes 900 MALE UAVs.