Singapore orders two more Type 218SG submarines from TKMS

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) received a contract from Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) on 7 May 2025 for the construction of two additional Type 218SG submarines, which are known as the Invincible class in Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) service.

The order increases the RSN’s total number of Invincible-class submarines to six, the first two of which were commissioned in September 2024.

The Type 218SG design is a derivative of the TKMS’s export-oriented Type 214 submarine, with certain design characteristics drawn from the Type 212 design (such as an X-shaped rudder section for enhanced manoeuvrability in shallow littoral waters).

The Type 218SG is 70 m long with a beam of 6.3 m and displaces about 2,000 t when surfaced and 2,200 t while submerged. The boat has an estimated speed of about 10 kts (19 km/h) while surfaced and 15 kts (28 km/h) while submerged. Featuring a fuel-cell-powered air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, the Type 218SG offers quiet running and is estimated to have an underwater endurance without snorkelling of from 28 to 42 days.

The Type 218SG is believed to be armed with eight 533 mm and two 650 mm forward-firing torpedo tubes, allowing the launching of heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and naval mines, along with a horizontal air-lock to disembark combat divers and special forces teams.

According to TKMS, the Singaporean order extension can be handled within its existing capacities in Germany, despite high capacity utilisation until the 2040s. In December 2024, for example, the company received an order for four additional Type 212CD submarines for the German Navy, a contract for a new Polarstern research icebreaker for the German research fleet and funding for the project launch of the new F127 frigate generation.

“The order expansion underscores the generally positive market situation in naval shipbuilding and gives us the opportunity to further expand our very well-filled order book,” stated TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard. “We are also proud that Singapore has once again placed its trust in us, as our partnership goes far beyond the production of submarines. We feel deeply connected to the country and contribute to the security and defence capabilities of our customer’s country with our products.”