Singapore Navy orders two more Type 218SG submarines

Singapore’s ministry of defense announced the signing of a contract with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the acquisition of additional two Type 218SG submarines.

The ministry said the contract includes a logistics package and a crew training arrangement in Germany.

This contract brings the number of Type 218SG submarines on order for the Singapore Navy to four. The first of two boats that were ordered in 2013 is expected to be delivered in 2021.

The AIP submarines, together with newer Archer-class submarines, will replace the 50-year-old Challenger-class submarines Singapore acquired from Sweden between 1995 and 1997.

Singapore’s Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen announced the contract at the opening of the 11th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia: “At steady state, the four Type 218SG submarines in service will complement each other in maintenance, logistics and operations, and have better capabilities to protect our SLOCs (sea lines of communications).”