The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has announced the arrival of the third Invincible-class (Type 218SG) submarine, RSS Illustrious. It sailed into Changi Naval Base on 10 April 2026, likely after it was delivered by the heavy transport ship, MV Rolldock Star, which is now anchored off Singapore.
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| Image: MINDEF Singapore. RSS Illustrious docks at Changi Naval Base --- |
Singapore ceremonially launched the second and third boats of the class in December 2022. But while RSS Impeccable was delivered to Singapore and fully commissioned in September 2024 (alongside RSS Invincible), RSS Illustrious still required dockside fitting out and builder's trials until late 2025.
The fourth boat of the class, RSS Inimitable, was launched in April 2024, and is now completing its builder's trials in Kiel Germany. RSS Inimitable will make its own journey to Singapore before 2028.
The Invincible-class are the most modern submarines in South East Asia, and will remain so until Thailand takes delivery of its much delayed S26T in late 2028.
Indonesia has two Scorpene Evo (for Evolved) on order. Indonesian national shipbuilder PT PAL will commence production in June 2026.
When will the Archer-class retire?
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| Image: Singapore Navy. --- |
I originally expected the RSN to retire both Archer-class submarines with the delivery of the third and fourth Invincible-class, to keep Singapore’s operational submarine force at four advanced AIP boats. But with the follow-on order for two more Type-218SG, confirmed in May 2025, my original expectations have been torpedoed, as it is very clear that the RSN has settled on a future submarine fleet size of six boats.
While the Archer boats were originally built in the mid-1980s as the first two Vastergotland-class SSKs, both were decommissioned in 1997 after a decade of service. Sold to Singapore in 2005, they underwent an extensive refit and upgrade that included tropicalization, air conditioning and a Stirling AIP module, before commissioning into the RSN in 2011 and 2013.
While RSS Archer’s hull was built 40 years old, the boat has “only” been in commission in the RSN for 15 years, or 25 years if you include its HSwMS service. So it is quite conceivable that the RSN still regard the two Archers as capable and intend to keep them in service until the third batch of two Invincible boats is delivered by TKMS before 2034.
7 comments:
A great post Shawn.
Tis my lament that the RSN submarine service may have more serviceable subs and submariners than the RAN. The RSN has succeeded in buying/ordering 6 new submarines since 2014 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invincible-class_submarine and some have already been delivered.
While Australia has misplaced faith we'll have an SSN by 2032 - more like 2043 for those who in the know. https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2025/12/3rd-priority-aukus-virginias-for.html
Cheers Pete
Hi Pete,
according to my knowledge RAN doesn't need small submarines like a crossover of a Type 212 (stern) and 214 (bow) with a range around 8,000 to 12,000 nm. RAN only needs to dream of really BIG submarines with unlimited range.
Regards,
MHalblaub
C.c.: One Type 210 a year keeps the ... away. Forward bases and submarine tenders are not a new invention. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_XIV_submarine)
Hi Pete,
The RAN is going to spend a similar amount Singapore paid TKMS for six new submarines to refurbish the Collins-class, and I expect they will remain in commission until the late 2030s. But replacing the 30-year old ‘Garden Island-Hedemora‘ diesels for new MTU units will vastly improve sustainability and performance.
I didn’t add to this article that ST Marine signed an MoU with TKMS for Type218SG maintenance and sustainment hub in Singapore, and the press release mentions that “other TKMS clients” could use the hub, maybe visiting German and upcoming Indian boats?
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/03/tkms-and-st-engineering-could-set-up-submarine-maintenance-hub-in-singapore/
TKMS is looking to expand its production capabilities in Spain:
https://www.hartpunkt.de/tkms-denkt-an-fertigung-von-u-booten-bei-spanischer-staatswerft-navantia/
According to my knowledge the Type 212CD will run on two MTU 12V 4000.
Maybe it's possible to replace the 3 locomotive engines with just two MTU 16V 4000.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTU_4000
Hi MHalblaub at 4/14/2026 7:09 PM
If only diesel-electric subs are available to replace the Collins they would need the following characteristics:
Large enough to transit from their southern operating bases that provide strategic depth/distance protection in southern Perth and in Sydney. 3,500km and return = 7,000km + 4,000km on patrol in Australia's northern seas = 11,000km range = 5 weeks endurance. with enough food for the crew.
Needs 2 x MTU 16V 4000 diesels for long range safety.
This reality applied in WWII when Japanese aircraft (from Rabaul, northern New Guinea) bombed Australia's main forward base of Darwin destroying ships including Submarine Tenders. Then Japanese aircraft bombed other northern bases, ie. Broome, Cairns and Townville. Australia's Cocos and Christmas islands were in even easier bombing range.
Naval bases at Singapore, Guam and Philippines were invaded by the Japanese.
China now has greater capabilities, with long range missiles to bomb Australian subs in port and Submarine Tenders, than Japan in WWII.
You need a whole fleet of surface warships and land based SAMs to protect submarines in port and Submarine Tenders.
The RAN would need 10 x Type 212CDs based in southern Perth and Sydney.
Cheers Pete
Dear Pete,
What you think about "strategic depth/distance protection in southern Perth and in Sydney" is nothing more than static non moving targets within reach of Chinese weapons. How many Chinese submarines are today in front of Australian ports? You may ask Moscow how strategic depth works as defence these days.
During the cold war Germany had a lot of submarine tenders. Not to extend the range of Type 206 submarines - They could have gone three times to Leningrad and back. - The tenders were there for rearming the vessels (e.g. mines) due to due non available ports during a hot war. In case your tenders get caught at port you're not woke. In case your forward bases are occupied by an enemy your submarines would just need to travel to your former forward bases. On the other side your the enemy has to take these bases first. In case your Navy can't protect some tenders at sea you should disband your Navy.
What does RAN wants to do with its submarines? Why long range patrol missions?
Regards,
MHalblaub
C.c.: My recommendation still is 24 Type 210 built in Australia.
Hi MHalblaub at 4/21/2026 7:45 PM
Perhaps sensors may track "How many Chinese submarines are today in front of Australian ports?" Also a bit like Type 212As tracking Russian subs in the Baltic and North Sea.
Unlike Germany (with the Russian border close by) but like the US, Australia can exploit strategic depth because our large landmass (far from main enemies) permits it.
Tenders mark out exposed subs. Only the US has the very large tenders most people think about.
"What does RAN wants to do with its submarines? Why long range patrol missions?" I've got educated guesses I won't share :) Like the peacetime uses of German Navy subs the peacetime uses of RAN subs are secret.
A PS? "24 Type 210". Australia has had major problems recruiting 3 Australian born submarine Commanders, and problems finding other senior (we rely on other Five Eyes) let alone manning 10 subs.
Australia's aims to have 8 AUKUS subs (each with 100+ crew) is a personnel impossibility.
Cheers Pete
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