Skip to main content
Best News Website or Mobile Service
WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022
Best News Website or Mobile Service
Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022
Hamburger Menu
Advertisement
Advertisement

Singapore

Singapore navy’s first two Invincible-class submarines fully operational after commissioning

The development of two other Invincible-class submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, is "progressing well" in Germany, and are expected to return to Singapore by 2028, said MINDEF.

Singapore navy’s first two Invincible-class submarines fully operational after commissioning

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first two Invincible-class submarines - named Invincible and Impeccable - are now fully operational following a commissioning ceremony on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)

New: You can now listen to articles.

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first two Invincible-class submarines - named Invincible and Impeccable - are now fully operational following a commissioning ceremony on Tuesday (Sep 24).

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong officiated the ceremony which was held at Changi Naval Base. 

The event was witnessed by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Together with the RSN’s existing fleet of submarines, ships and units, the two Invincible-class submarines will fulfil a wide spectrum of operations to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security, said MINDEF in a news release. 

Built and launched in Kiel, Germany, the Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. 

"Custom-built for Singapore’s needs, these submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and optimised ergonomics," said MINDEF. 

It added that the development of the other two Invincible-class submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, is "progressing well" in Germany, and are expected to return to Singapore by 2028.

The first Invincible-class submarine was launched in 2019. In December 2022, the second and third - Impeccable and Illustrious - were christened by the navy.

The fourth, which is called Inimitable, was launched in April

The RSS Invincible is one of the two Invincible-class submarines commissioned at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)
The RSS Impeccable is one of the two Invincible-class submarines commissioned at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)

To commemorate the commissioning of the first two Invincible-class submarines, a new orchid hybrid was named after them in a ceremony also held at Changi Naval Base.

In attendance at the ceremony were the lady sponsors of the Invincible-class submarines - Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife Mdm Ho Ching, Dr Ng's wife Dr Ivy Ng, and Mr Teo's sister Ms Teo Swee Lian.

Following a long-standing naval tradition, vessels are "sponsored" by a lady sponsor to bestow good luck over the vessel and all who sail on board.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Wong said the submarines are an integral part of the naval force, adding that Singapore's submarine journey was "not without its challenges".

"When we started out, we faced a steep learning curve. We began cautiously, procuring second-hand submarines from Sweden, and learning the craft from our Swedish friends," he added.

Over the years, Singapore's submariners gained the experience and expertise to build more robust capabilities, said Mr Wong, who is also Minister for Finance.

Today, the navy has not only procured new-build submarines, but also customised them to meet Singapore's specific operational requirements. 

The Invincible-class submarines are fitted with advanced technology, which allow for leaner crews and better manoeuvrability in local congested waters. 

"They are quieter, more durable and better armed than anything we’ve had before," said Mr Wong. 

"The RSN’s submarine journey typifies the SAF and Singapore’s approach towards improving ourselves. 

"We invest with strategic intent. We do so steadily, and over the long-term to upgrade our capabilities, in our hardware and in our people." 

He added: "We work as a team, fitting new capabilities into the wider system, so that together, we can achieve a positive impact greater than the sum of our parts."

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Wong also visited the Impeccable submarine where he was briefed on its systems and capabilities.

He also interacted with personnel from the two Invincible-class submarines, said MINDEF, adding that Mr Wong was hosted by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong at the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first two Invincible-class Submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, at Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)
The Guests-of-Honour at the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first two Invincible-class Submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, at Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)

50 PER CENT MORE ENDURANCE 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the ceremony, Colonel Fong Chi Onn, commander of the seventh Flotilla fleet, said the navy will be decommissioning some of the older Challenger-class submarines. 

Between 1995 and 1997, the RSN bought four Swedish Sjoormen-class submarines. They were renamed as the Challenger-class and commissioned in the 2000s.

"Those submarines have been workforces of the RSN. I think they've done their (part), but they are also coming of age. And at about 60 years old, I think it's about time to move on," said Colonel Fong.

He added that the Invincible-class submarines have about 50 per cent more endurance than previous class submarines. 

When asked if the navy is looking at a newer class of submarines beyond the latest vessels, Colonel Fong said: "I think the submarine set we have (got) this time round for the Invincible-class is going to be with us for at least a good 30 years."

That said, the navy will need to conduct platform replacement or renewal "at some point", he added.

"But as such, I would think the Invincible-class submarines will be here to stay with us for the near future."

Reiterating that the submarines have also been customised according to Singapore's specific operational requirements, Colonel Fong said Singapore's waters are more congested and also more salty, and a certain amount of tropicalisation of the submarines had to be done.

He added that the vessels were also customised to be "more habitable" for the Asian build.

Additionally, the customisation of the Invincible-class submarines have also allowed for the accommodation of female submariners. 

Captain Loh Jia Yi, one of the pioneer female submariners, said the new boats were a "primary enabler" for her to join the crew, adding that they have dedicated female bunking as well as toilets.

"This enables us to have females sailing on board without any concerns of privacy or without any concerns of hygiene issues," said Captain Loh.

"As we move forward and as we have worked through this initial stage of integrating females into the submarine Flotilla, I think it has really started to lay the groundwork very well for us to bring more females going forward. 

"Because now we are able to function just as another part of the crew with the privacy that we need in order to sail," she added. 

The proceedings during the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first two Invincible-class Submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, at Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)
(From left to right) Head Capability Development (Underwater Systems), Naval Systems Programme Centre Melvin Dong, Chief Navigation of RSS Impeccable ME2 Navinraj Chandra Segran, Assistant Operations Officer of RSS Invincible CPT Loh Jia Yi, Commander 7th Flotilla COL Fong Chi Onn at Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)

Captain Loh had joined the navy as she had a "strong calling" for public service and wanted a dynamic job that was more than working behind a desk. 

However, the submarines were not open for females to sail in 2017, when she signed on as a naval officer. 

After completing her university studies, the 26-year-old shared that the recruitment for submariners opened to females in 2022 and she "jumped at the chance" to pursue the opportunity. 

Apart from her personal motivation to become an expert in her craft, the sense of responsibility she feels as one of the pioneer female submariners also keeps her going, Captain Loh shared. 

There are currently four qualified female submariners, with two others currently in training. 

"I think a lot of my motivation comes from this sense of responsibility, knowing that when we play an active part in making sure that we set the foundations right, that we are an active part of how we integrate," she said. 

"(This) leaves the submarine Flotilla that much of a better place for future females who want to come and join. And I think that sense of responsibility is something that I hold very closely to my heart."

Naval officers on the RSS Impeccable during the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first two Invincible-class Submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, at Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)
The blessing of the submarines by the religious leaders during the commissioning ceremony at Changi Naval Base on Sep 24, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Syamil Sapari)
Source: CNA/ng(sn)
Advertisement

Also worth reading

Advertisement