Beyond conventional state sponsored threats to navigational safety, the maritime environment around Singapore faces security challenges such as terrorism, shipping of illegal arms, weapons of mass destruction and persons, as well as piracy. The seaborne terrorist attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai attack, where ten terrorists who arrived via boats killed more than 160 people, demonstrate the real possibility and grave consequences of terrorists infiltrating a country from the sea.
Singapore sits astride two of the busiest Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the world – the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca – through which about one-third of the world's maritime trade is transported. The maritime industry is a significant feature of Singapore's economy and contributes around 7% of our Gross Domestic Product. The Singapore Navy plays a key role in keeping these SLOCs open, not only for Singapore, but indeed, for the world.
Ng Eng Hen said:
Say hello to Singapore’s newest submarine – Republic of Singapore Navy’s Invincible! She was launched today at Kiel, Germany at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard.
She will be the first of the four Invincible-class submarines customised to operate in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. More importantly, they can stay submerged longer and carry more weapons than any of our previous submarines.
Congratulations to the RSN, DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency and our German partners on today’s successful launch!
On behalf of the Singapore Navy, I would like to give thanks to an unnamed and immediate neighbour who greatly help our navy present a compelling case for force modernisation - even as our defense spending as a percentage of our GDP is falling (over the medium to longer term). The Singapore government will spend about S$22.7 billion, or 30 per cent of its total expenditure in Financial Year (FY) 2019, on defence, security and diplomacy, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in his Budget statement on Feb 18. In FY2018, defence, security and diplomacy spending accounted for about 28 per cent of the total Government expenditure.
“Given its strategic significance, the Government will continue to invest a significant share of our resources … to support our defence, security and diplomacy efforts,” he told Parliament. “This spending is significant but indispensable. We will invest more, if the need arises, to protect the sovereignty of Singapore and the well-being of Singaporeans.” Defence spending is expected to hit S$15.5 billion, up from S$14.8 billion from (FY) 2018, up from S$14.20 billion in (FY) 2017, while Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs spending is expected to hold steady at S$6.7 billion and S$0.5 billion, respectively. Read more at
Budget 2019: 30% of Government expenditure to go towards defence, security and diplomacy
Along with the Victory-class replacement (or Multi-Role Combat Vessel), Invincible, as the 1st of 4 Type 218SG boats in the class, will signal completion of the 3rd generation transformation of our navy (into a capable and formidable force) that can project naval power up to 1,000 km from our shores. After handing over the Invincible in 2021, the second submarine is scheduled to be delivered in 2022. The third and fourth submarines are scheduled to follow from 2024 onwards.
Singapore’s four new submarines will replace the navy’s current Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines. Beyond its longer length and diameter, compared to its predecessor classes of submarines operated by the Singapore Navy, enabling the Invincible class to house a large flank array sonar, special attention has also been paid to the Combat System with ST Electronics, co-developing it with Atlas Elektronik GmbH. The Invincible class and its large flank array sonar needs sufficient electrical power for enhanced performance of its flank and towed array sonars. The Invincible class has classification sonar sensors in the low and ultra low frequency range, giving it an edge in its ability to compile a high resolution tactical picture when compared to our Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines. Modern combat systems and more capable sensors, with linkages to the RSN, will enable the new submarines to have improved wide-area awareness. Together with advanced automation and indigenously-developed sense-making systems in combat and platform suites, the new submarines will have enhanced situational awareness and accelerated decision-making support systems, allowing submariners to rapidly orientate themselves, decide on the best course of action, and act. The sense-making systems include data analytics and decision support engines developed by DSTA.
The Invincible class submarine crew can look forward to larger living spaces compared to the RSN’s older submarines, meaning hygiene on board will improve and the crew can endure longer underwater, said Colonel Teo Chin Leong, Commanding Officer of the 171 Squadron, which will receive the new submarines. He added: "The crew will be undergoing training in phases. First at an individual level before they move on to operate the submarine as a group." The three remaining Type 218SG submarines - named Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable - are still under construction. Read more at
Made for Singapore: First of four custom-built RSN submarines launched in Germany
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first
Invincible-class submarine,
Invincible, at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on 18 Feb 2019. The submarine was launched by Mrs Ng, wife of Dr Ng. Chief of German Navy Vice-Admiral Andreas Krause, Republic of Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong and senior defence officials from both countries attended the launch ceremony. Dr Ng was in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference from 15 to 17 Feb 2019, where he spoke at the conference and had bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts.