As part of its efforts to strengthen ties with the Republic of Singapore Navy, the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) announced that it has signed a new memorandum of understanding with the local company ST Engineering, through which they will seek to expand support and sustainment capabilities for the new Type 218SG submarines. In particular, both companies have expressed their intention to explore the possibility of establishing a joint maintenance center within the Asian country in order to guarantee the long-term operational availability of the units in service with the aforementioned navy, as well as those of other international customers.
Expanding on the details, it can be noted that the ceremony was attended by TKMS Chief Executive Officer Oliver Burkhard, who signed the document together with Tan Leong Peng, president of ST Engineering’s naval division. It is also worth highlighting that the event was attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who was in the country on an official ministerial visit accompanied by his Singaporean counterpart, Chan Chun Sing, which reflects the importance Berlin has attached to its partnership with the island nation.
Recalling some of the statements made on that occasion, CEO Burkhard stated: “The collaboration with ST Engineering represents a strong foundation for ensuring the long-term operational availability of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s submarines, as well as those of other navies operating TKMS submarines. By combining our experience with ST Engineering’s shipyard capabilities and service expertise, we are creating a high-performance maintenance and service network in Singapore for the benefit of the Singapore Navy and our international partners.”
It is worth recalling at this point that the Republic of Singapore Navy is a major customer of TKMS and its Type 218SG submarines, also known as the Invincible class, having acquired a total of six units to modernize its capabilities and replace its current Challenger-class boats. So far, four of those six submarines have already been built, with the first two already having entered active service with the navy, namely RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable; while RSS Illustrious and RSS Inimitable are the remaining ones.
Reviewing the known characteristics of these new submarines, it can be mentioned that each one has a displacement of around 2,200 tons, contained within a length of 70 meters and a beam of 6.3 meters. In addition, regarding their propulsion system, they make use of an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system that allows them to remain submerged for longer periods of time and reduce the signature that might be detected by enemy sensors. It has also been highlighted that the design incorporates a high degree of automation, which reduces the crew required to operate them, while the hull includes modifications intended to make it more resistant to the salinity levels and temperatures of the waters in which they will operate for Singapore.
Images used for illustrative purposes
You may also like: Singapore to complement its future U.S.-acquired P-8A Poseidon aircraft with the purchase of Gulfstream G550 maritime surveillance planes
