Germany approves the delivery of one Type 218SG submarine to Singapore.

The former German Merkel government has approved the delivery of one type 218SG submarine to Singapore. The deal was done under former German chancellor Angela Merkel, along with her Scholz, then vice-chancellor.
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The first Invincible-class Type 218SG Submarine for Singapore Navy was launched in February 2019 at the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' shipyard in Kiel. (Picture source ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems)

According to information published by the Singapore Government on December 20, 2021, the German Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral (VADM) Kay-Achim Schönbach, called on Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Singapore Ministry of Defence on December 20, 2021. During their meeting, Dr Ng and VADM Schönbach reaffirmed efforts in bilateral defence cooperation such as in submarine training and defence technology. Both sides also discussed Germany’s future engagement of the Asia-Pacific region and how the two countries could work together to preserve the international rules-based order at sea.

German frigate Bayern also arrived in Singapore on December 20, 2021, as part of a six-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. The warship will be docked at Changi Naval Base for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period for replenishment and maintenance, as well as rest for more than 200 sailors on board.

During a reception on December 23, 2021, German Ambassador to Singapore Norbert Riedel said, "The stop of the German frigate Bayern shows Germany's intention to strengthen its defence and security cooperation with Singapore.

According to the Military Balance 2020, currently, the Singapore Navy has four submarines including two Challenger-class (ex-SWE Sjoormen) from the Swedish Navy and two 2 Archer-class also former Swedish Navy submarines and known as the Västergötland-class. According to open sources information, two Invincible-class submarines were procured in November 2013 and another two in May 2017. The Invincible-class, also known as Type 218SG, is a submarine class ordered from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

In July 2020, Navy Recognition had reported that Singapore Navy has launched the first Invincible-class submarine that will be delivered in 2022.

The Invincible-class (also known as Type 218SG) is a class of submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) ordered by the Republic of Singapore Navy from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Type 218SG is based on the design of the Type 216 concept submarine from Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. Four submarines were ordered and the lead vessel RSS Invincible was launched in February 2019.

The Invincible-class submarine has a length of 70 m, a beam f 6.3 m and a maximum displacement of 2,200 tones. She can reach a submerged speed of 15 knots (28 km/h). The submarine has a crew of 28 people and is equipped with eight torpedo tubes.

The Invincible-class submarines are equipped with significantly improved capabilities. They are being fitted with Air Independent Propulsion systems based on Fuel Cell technology, which will allow the submarines to stay submerged about 50% longer than “Archer” class submarines. They are also carrying a combat system designed by both Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics.