Singapore Navy Launches First Type 218SG Invincible-Class Submarine

[Kailash Kumar]

Republic Of Singapore Navy Launches First Type 218SG Invincible-Class Submarine

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first Type 218SG « Invincible-class » submarine, Invincible, was launched today at the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard (TKMS) in Kiel, Germany.

18 Feb 2019

Launching ceremony HDW Class 218SG submarine Invincible Kiel 18 February 2019.

'The RSN plays a key role in keeping [the] Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) open, not only for Singapore, but indeed, for the world. And the maritime environment around Singapore also faces security challenges… In this context, the acquisition of the new Type 218SG submarines is timely.'

Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen

Following the launch, Invincible will undergo a series of sea trials before delivery to Singapore in 2021. The remaining three submarines are under construction.

Invincible is the first of four customized submarines designed for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. Named Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable, the new submarines will form the strategic edge of Singapore’s defence. The submarines are expected to be delivered from 2021 onwards and will replace the current ex-Royal Swedish Navy Archer– and Challenger-class submarines, which the RSN has operated for over two decades.

RSN infographic

Displacing 2,200 tons (submerged), these submarine will have a speed in excess of 15 knots underwater. They are 70 meters long and 6.3 meters in diameter. Their armament will be deployed from 8 torpedo tubes.

The Invincible-class submarines are equipped with significantly improved capabilities. They are being fitted with Air Independent Propulsion systems based on Fuel Cell Technology, which will allow the submarines to stay submerged about 50% longer. They are also carrying a combat system designed by both Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics.

https://www.navalnews.com/news/2019...-first-type-218sg-invincible-class-submarine/

 

[Senang Diri]

More than meets the eye.

https://www.janes.com/article/86589...urther-details-of-invincible-class-submarines

Singapore discloses further details of Invincible-class submarines

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - Jane's Navy International

20 February 2019

A model of the Type 218SG on display at IMDEX 2017. The first-of-class was launched on 18 February 2019. Source: IHS Markit/Ridzwan Rahmat

Key Points

Singapore has given further details on the capabilities of its new Type 218SG submarines
The vessels will be equipped with indigenously developed data analytics as well as sense-making systems
Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has disclosed further details of its new Type 218SG air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines, which have been customised specifically for operations in shallow and congested waters.

The details were revealed in conjunction with the launch ceremony of the first-of-class, which will be known as RSS Invincible once commissioned, on 18 February. Invincible is one of four Type 218SG boats acquired under two separate contracts signed between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Singapore government in 2013 and 2017.

According to information released by MINDEF, the vessel will have maximum speeds in excess of 15 kt when submerged and 10 kt when dived. The submarine will also displace 2,200 tonnes when submerged and 2,000 tonnes when surfaced. Each boat is armed with eight tubes.

Although not disclosed, these tubes will likely deploy 533 mm torpedoes and other munitions via water-ram discharge devices such as those found on the German Navy's Type 212A boats, which have been used as a reference for the Type 218SGs.

The vessel will also be able to stay submerged about 50% longer than the Archer (Västergötland) and Challenger (Sjöormen) classes of boat that it will eventually replace, and can "carry a wider range of mission payloads", said MINDEF.

Given that the Archer and Challenger classes have submerged endurances of between 14 and 21 days respectively, this puts the Independence class's endurance at about 28-42 days without snorkelling.

In addition, the submarines will be equipped with sense-making and "accelerated decision-making support systems", which include data analytics and decision support engines that have been developed in-country by Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

http://theindependent.sg/defence-mi...-gen-saf-would-need-considerable-investments/

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announces next-gen SAF would need considerable investments


Developing a capable SAF will require expenditure with spending on defence to increase by 3 to 4% each year

By Anna Maria Romero - March 4, 2019


Singapore—Dr Ng Eng Hen, the country’s Minister of Defence, elaborated on improvements to Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) that would dissuade aggression as well as bring the Republic into the future.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, March 1 he said,”Defence, especially for a small island like Singapore is crucial if we are to safeguard our interests and deter aggression. Singapore is on track to build a modernised tri-service SAF … that can meet security challenges both in the real and virtual worlds in the 21st century.”

In his speech Dr Ng elaborated on SAF’s purchase of new F-35 jets as well as “Invincible”-class submarines, deploying new armoured fighting vehicles, and using a greater number of unmanned platforms.

Yahoo Singapore reports the Defence Minister as saying, “In all, the Next-Generation SAF of 2030 and beyond, with this full complement of assets in air, land, and sea, will be able to defend Singapore for another generation.

This is the SAF that will take us into and guard our future.”

When Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced the budget for 2019 on February 18, he said that the price tag for this year’s defense budget is S$15.5 billion. In 2018 it was S$14.8 billion.

On March 1, Dr Ng said that spending for defence will increase by 3-4 percent each year, in keeping with inflation.

”To develop such a capable SAF … which can protect Singapore’s interests and keep Singaporeans safe for another generation, will require significant and steady investments. I make no bones about it – it will require resources and our commitment.”

Planned Purchases
As a replacement for existing F-16 fighter jets, MINDEF is ordering four F-35s from the US. He said in Parliament, “As stated previously, MINDEF will issue a Letter of Request (LOR) to the US to acquire F-35s. As required by US law for foreign military sales, the US Congress must approve the sale of F-35s.”

The Republic has already obtained the endorsement of the Department of Defense as well as the United States Administration for buying the F-35s, as is eating for approval from US Congress.

Singapore has the option of buying eight more F-35s after the initial purchase.

For strengthening its capabilities at sea, SAF will be adding new warships and submarines. One has already been launched in Germany and the other three are in the process of construction.

Dr Ng discussed Invincible-class submarines. “The Invincible-class submarines will have longer endurance, and also the latest locally-developed sensors and automated systems designed for optimal use in our surrounding waters… We aim to have a full fleet of four Invincible-class submarines by 2025.”

New multi-role combat vessels (MRCVs) will be replacing the existing missile corvettes. The full delivery of the MRCVs will be accomplished by 2030.

Coastline defence
Dr Ng added that the security of Singapore’s coastline will be bolstered as well, by adding a greater number of coastal radars and optical sensors for discovering threats to the Republic.

There will also be more unmanned watchtowers for monitoring the Singapore Strait. And starting from 2020, the Republic’s territorial waters will be patrolled by unmanned surface vessels as well.

“Next-Generation SAF of 2030 and beyond”
Dr Ng said, “In all, the Next-Generation SAF of 2030 and beyond, with this full complement of assets in air, land, and sea, will be able to defend Singapore for another generation. This is the SAF that will take us into and guard our future. This is the SAF that our investments have bought or will buy.”

The Defence Minister also discussed expanding cybersecurity for the country’s digital defence. Dr Ng added that there will be a greater investment from MINDEF into training facilities, including SAFTI, a one-stop training compound to complement with “urban settings” the “traditional terrains” of the old SAFTI.



***

In short, greater endurance, optimized for regional waters, greater mission specific payload, locally developed sensors and automation system.

With the addition of MRCV (frigates/destroyers/whatever you 'd like to call them), SAF may extend its lead over regional armed forces well beyond the next decade. I hope there won't be any cockups anywhere down the line.