Singapore Bolsters Navy With Two Fuel Cell Powered, AIP Submarines

Singapore has bolstered its naval fleet by commissioning two advanced submarines, the Invincible and Impeccable, in a ceremony on Tuesday.

The submarines are part of a broader strategy to protect sea lines of communication and enhance the country’s naval presence in the region.

Ordered from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in 2013 for a 1-billion-euro deal, these vessels join Singapore’s older Archer- and Challenger-class submarines, marking a significant technological upgrade.

Technological Leap in Submarine Capabilities

The Invincible-class submarines represent a leap forward in Singapore’s naval technology, allowing the city-state to operate farther from shore with a smaller crew.

These submarines, described as among the quietest in the region, are equipped with air-independent propulsion, enabling them to stay submerged for weeks while travelling thousands of kilometres.

The propulsion system, which uses fuel cells to generate electricity, minimizes moving parts, making the vessels extremely quiet—an essential feature for underwater stealth.

Each submarine requires a crew of only 28 sailors to operate its 70-metre, 2,200-ton structure. Automation of many tasks has made operations smoother, and these are the first Singaporean submarines to have crew facilities for women.

Colonel Fong Chi Onn, commander of Singapore’s submarine flotilla, praised the vessels as “an excellent force multiplier” for a nation as small as Singapore.

Enhancing Regional Naval Presence

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the commissioning event at Changi Naval Base, emphasized Singapore’s reliance on free and unimpeded sea movement for survival and prosperity.

With the addition of the Invincible and Impeccable, Singapore strengthens its role in regional naval drills and enhances its ability to monitor the Indo-Pacific region.

However, experts note that despite these advancements, Singapore’s new submarines may not match some regional competitors in terms of firepower.

For instance, Vietnam’s Kilo-class submarines, sourced from Russia, are equipped with land-attack cruise missiles, while the Invincible-class only carries heavyweight torpedoes.

Collin Koh, a naval affairs specialist, highlighted that the new submarines are comparable to state-of-the-art conventional subs in Southeast Asia but emphasized that firepower limitations remain.

Growing Submarine Presence in Southeast Asia

Singapore’s move to enhance its submarine fleet is part of a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where several countries are investing in advanced naval capabilities. Neighbouring Indonesia has ordered Scorpene-class submarines from France, and Malaysia operates older versions of the same class.

Meanwhile, China, Russia, and the United States continue to modernise their nuclear-powered submarines, which offer greater speed and range, albeit at significantly higher costs.

The strategic importance of undersea cables and maritime security in recent years has made submarines critical assets for nations like Singapore.

As regional tensions rise and naval drills become more frequent, Singapore’s submarines are expected to play a key role. Trevor Hollingsbee, a former British naval intelligence analyst, suggested Singapore’s submarines could serve as “target vessels” for anti-submarine exercises, providing intelligence-gathering opportunities during these operations.

Looking Ahead

With two more Invincible-class submarines, the Illustrious and Inimitable, already launched and awaiting commissioning, Singapore is poised to further strengthen its naval capabilities in the coming years.

These new additions will enable Singapore to play an increasingly prominent role in regional security, aligning with its close partnerships with the United States and other Asian allies.

(With inputs from Reuters)