German shipbuilding major thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has signed a contract with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for the construction of two additional Invincible-class (Type 218SG) submarines.
According to thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, the order extension can be handled within existing capacities in Germany, despite high capacity utilization until the 2040s.
“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. 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 defense capabilities of our customer’s country with our products,” Oliver Burkhard , CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, emphasized.
The design of the Type 218SG submarines is based on a low signature. The air-independent propulsion system gives the boats a long underwater endurance. With a length of about 70 meters and a displacement of around 2,000 tonnes, they are currently the largest submarines ever built at TKMS.
Following the first four submarines, Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable, a total of six units will now be built for Singapore. The fourth vessel was launched in April last year.
In December 2024, the company received major orders worth billions of euros, including four additional Type 212CD submarines for the German Navy, the new Polarstern research icebreaker, and funding for the project launch of the new F127 frigate generation.