Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has expanded its naval capabilities by contracting thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for the delivery of two additional Invincible-class submarines. This new order comes on top of a previous contract signed in 2013, which included four submarines. Of these, two have already been delivered and were officially commissioned in September 2024, with the remaining two set to arrive by 2028.
The additional submarines are part of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) ongoing submarine force renewal program and are expected to be delivered by 2034. This strategic move highlights Singapore’s proactive stance in addressing increasing global security concerns, particularly following the outbreak of the Ukraine war. In a statement reflecting on the geopolitical climate, Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen described the current times as “turbulent,” emphasizing the need for preparedness among smaller nations facing larger powers.
The Invincible-class submarines are designed to replace the older Challenger-class and Archer-class submarines, which were commissioned in 2000 and 2011, respectively. Each 70-meter (230-foot) submarine is conventionally powered and features a stealth design complemented by an air propulsion system, enhancing its underwater endurance. The vessels have been customized by the Defence Science and Technology Agency to operate effectively in Singapore’s shallow, bustling tropical waters, accommodating smaller crews for greater operational efficiency.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has expressed optimism regarding the new contract, despite its existing backlog of orders valued at approximately 16 billion euros ($17.81 billion). CEO Oliver Burkhard highlighted that the expansion of this order reflects a generally positive trend in naval shipbuilding. He lauded the partnership with Singapore, stating, “We are also proud that Singapore has once again placed its trust in us, as our partnership goes far beyond the production of submarines. We feel deeply connected to the country and contribute to the security and defense capabilities of our customer’s country with our products.”
This latest agreement signals Singapore’s commitment to enhancing its underwater defense capabilities in light of evolving security dynamics in the region and beyond.
