Singapore Unveils Two New and Powerful Submarines: Invincible and Impeccable

On September 24, 2024, Reuters reported that the island city-state of Singapore has acquired two new submarines. This comes as Southeast Asia is experiencing a climate of growing rivalry between several nations.

Two submarines of the class Invincible

The two new Singapore Navy ships are German-designed and manufactured by shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp. Launched on 24 September 2024 in a ceremony, the RSS Invincible and RSS Flawless were therefore officially commissioned into service by the Singapore Navy.

The two buildings join buildings of the class Challenger and class Archer in the Singaporean army. But the two newcomers will surpass their predecessors in some aspects, including size.

In fact, the two submarines of the class Invincible each measure 70 meters when the two Archer are 60.5 meters and both Challenger are 50 meters. In terms of reception capacity, theInvincible and theFlawless will be able to take on board a crew of 28 people, the same capacity as the class Archer.

But more than that, compared to all the devices in circulation in the region, the two new Singapore submarines are among the quietest. This is not of the same ilk as nuclear-powered submarines, since the class Invincible is powered by a diesel-electric engine.

Buildings different from others by their armament

In the dispatch of Reuterswe also learn more about the armament carried by the submarines of the class Invincible. Thus, these buildings would be equipped only with torpedo launchers.

Profitable from the possible submarine combats in which they could be involved, the Singaporean ships would not have the opportunity to intervene remotely in land combat, as Vietnamese and Chinese submarines could do. Indeed, the latter, in addition to torpedo launchers, can also launch sea-to-surface cruise missiles.

Necessary to ensure safety

As reported Reutersone of the main reasons given by Singapore for acquiring two new aircraft is to be able to ensure a greater presence in their waters and therefore provide a certain level of security both on the surface and underwater.

The security concerns in particular that of the submarine cables that extend from the island country to the Asian continent. This is causing tensions in the region. Indeed, according to ReutersVietnam has reportedly been under pressure recently from the United States not to let a Chinese company take control of undersea cables.

Source : Reuters