IMDEX 2025, held from 6-8 May, delivered two important acquisition announcements, with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) signing up for two extra Type 218SG submarines and a suite of unmanned mine countermeasures systems.
The procurement of two Type 218SG submarines from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) had been presaged by an announcement by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in March, though the actual contract was signed on 7 May.
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence stated the submarines formed part of the navy’s “approach to long-term capability development”. It added, “The acquisition of the two additional Invincible-class submarines further enhances the RSN’s ability to protect our sea lines of communication, with a steady state of six submarines for our submarine fleet.”
TKMS, in a press release issued the following day, stated that its record order book currently stands at around €16 billion (US$18.1 billion).
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, commented, “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.”
The company added that it is “focusing on the highest technical requirements for the order extension from Singapore”. For example, the design minimises its underwater signature, and its “air-independent propulsion system enables the boats to remain underwater for longer periods”.
The first four submarines are Invincible, Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable, with the first two having been commissioned in September 2024. The RSN said the second pair’s trials and acceptance is “progressing well in Germany”. They are due to return to Singapore in 2028.
The two additional submarines are expected to be ready for delivery in 2034. Manned by a lean crew, they are optimised for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters.
One the same day, 7 May, ST Engineering announced it had been awarded contracts to deliver a suite of mine countermeasures (MCM) unmanned systems to the RSN. The suite comprises three components: unmanned surface vessels (USV), autonomous underwater vessels (AUV) and a command-and-control centre.
Additionally, ST Engineering will deliver a high-fidelity simulation system so users can hone their skills in safe environments. The equipment is to be delivered progressively to the RSN beginning from 2027.
Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering, said, “Building on our success in delivering the Maritime Security unmanned surface vessels for the RSN, we aim to push the boundaries of USVs and AUVs for MCM operations with AI, enabling real-time data analysis for faster, more informed decisions.”
The USV and AUV platforms will detect and classify mines. The USVs, for instance, will use either a towed synthetic aperture radar or mine neutralisation system, with data transmitted in real time to the command centre.
An ST Engineering spokesperson confirmed to Asian Military Review that the company is leveraging its own core technologies and operational experience from past MCM trials and USV usage.
The company added, “Specifically, while the MCM USVs are not direct iterations of our earlier models – given the unique requirements of this MCM programme – the AUV to be deployed is the Mercury variant, enhanced with a new, advanced sonar payload.”
by Gordon Arthur, Singapore
