New Type 218SG submarine "Invincible" built for Singapore Navy starts factory sea trials


According to pictures released on the internet, the first advanced diesel-electric submarine of the german project 218SG built for Singapore Navy has started factory sea trials. The ship is the first in a series of four units being built in Kiel by the Kieler Werft shipyard (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems), and is due to be handed over to the Singapore Navy in 2021.
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Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001New Type 218SG submarine "Invincible" built for Singapore Navy starting factory sea trials. (Picture source: Shipandmaritimephotography Facebook account)


The launch of the advanced diesel-electric submarine represents a significant milestone in the ongoing submarine programme for the Republic of Singapore, noted ThyssenKrupp.

The displacement of the project 218SG reaches 2000 tons, the length is 70 m, and the width is 6.3 m. Set to replace the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) current Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines, Type 218SG vessels offers longer endurance, more firepower and greater weapons-carrying capacity.


Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 Launching ceremony of Type 218SG submarine. (Picture source: Singapore Navy)


The Type 218SG will be fitted with a more advanced Air Independent Propulsion system based on fuel cell technology, which allows it to stay submerged for about 50 per cent longer than the Archer-class submarines. It can travel at a surface speed of more than 10 knots, and a submerged speed of more than 15 knots. It is armed with eight torpedo tubes and manned by a crew of 28.

Once construction and outfitting are completed, Invincible will undergo sea trials in Germany before it is delivered to Singapore in 2021. Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also announced the names of the other three Type 218SG submarines Singapore will acquire - Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable. They are under construction and will be delivered from 2022.