SINGAPORE cut steel on the fifth and sixth Invincible-class submarines for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in a ceremony attended by the service chief, Rear Admiral Sean Wat at the TKMS Wismar Shipyard in Germany. Additionally, the event was attended by representatives from the RSN, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard and senior German top brass.
Speaking at the ceremony, RAdm Wat spoke on the service’s sub-surface fleet and its operations, saying:”The maritime security landscape is evolving rapidly. Disruptions to global shipping, and emerging threats to critical underwater infrastructure, remind us that maritime security can never be taken for granted. A modern Navy, backed by a credible submarine force, remains essential to safeguarding Singapore’s maritime interests.”
The steel cutting signifies the beginning of construction for the RSN’s fifth and sixth submarines which were procured on top of its initial order for four boats. The RSN operates two Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable which were commissioned in September 2024, attaining full operational capability. The third vessel—Illustrious arrived home in the city-state with a homecoming ceremony held on April 9 at RSS Singapura–Changi Naval Base (CNB) to be commissioned in the near future while the fourth vessel–Inimitable is progressing well in trials and acceptance, expected to arrive in Singapore by 2028.
Singapore decided in May 2025 to purchase two more Invincible submarines from TKMS, giving the RSN a sub-surface fleet of 6 submarines once the two submarines are delivered from 2034 onwards. The Invincible submarines are custom built by TKMS for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters.
“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 the 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.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:RSN)
