Singapore Receives Third Invincible-Class Submarine–Illustrious

THE Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Invincible-class submarine–Illustrious arrived back in the city-state with a homecoming ceremony held on April 9 at RSS Singapura–Changi Naval Base (CNB). RSN Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Kwan Hon Chuong together with senior RSN officers and submariners were present to witness the homecoming ceremony.

Launched in Kiel, Germany on December 13 2022, Illustrious is the third of six Invincible-class submarines custom built by German firm TKMS for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. The Illustrious will be commissioned in the near future while progress on the three other Invincible-class submarines are proceeding as planned.

“These submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and ergonomics optimised for the Asian physique. Their induction into the RSN will further enhance the RSN’s ability to safeguard Singapore and protect our vital sea lines of communication”, a Singapore Ministry of Defence statement read.

The Invincible-class submarines are a result of a joint effort between the RSN, tkMS and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), equipped with “air-independent propulsion” (AIP) which relies on fuel cells to power the submarine rather than a conventional diesel engine. Furthermore, the customisation of the submarines have allowed for female submariners to serve onboard, featuring dedicated female bunking and toilets. Four female submariners are presently qualified while another duo are undergoing training.

The RSN operates two Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable which were commissioned in September 2024, attaining full operational capability while the fourth vessel–Inimitable is progressing well in trials and acceptance, expected to arrive in Singapore by 2028. The RSN also operates two Archer-class submarines, RSS Archer and RSS Swordsman which were transferred from the Swedish Navy. 

Singapore also decided in May 2025 to purchase two more Invincible submarines from TKMS, giving the RSN a sub-surface fleet of 6 submarines once the fifth and sixth submarines are delivered from 2034 onwards.

Additionally, TKMS and Italy’s Fincantieri joined forces to offer the Philippine Navy (PN) advanced submarine solutions in the form of the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine). The Philippines has been keen on procuring at least two submarines to enhance its archipelagic defence and securing its territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea. Furthermore, TKMS is competing with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean for a 12-submarine deal worth US$40 billion.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:RSN, SG MINDEF)