RSS Invincible

RSS History of Invincibility

Singapore's Republic of Singapore Navy (RoSN) showcases an impressive naval force, particularly with its Archer and Challenger class submarines, both of Swedish origin. Currently, the Archer class includes four ships, but a partnership with Germany is paving the way for a new and advanced fleet called the Invincible class. The Invincible class, comprising vessels like RSS Invincible and others, is designed for near-shore operations, featuring a compact structure with dimensions of 229.7 feet in length and 20.7 feet in beam. These submarines are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, eight torpedo tubes, and the capability to launch U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The Invincible class submarines represent a significant leap in Singapore's naval capabilities, with the first vessel, RSS Invincible, already launched in February 2019. The submarines have a traditional design but incorporate modern features such as the "X" rudder, enhancing maneuverability in confined littoral waters. This design element is shared with the Israeli Dolphin 2-class submarines, highlighting the collaboration between Singapore and Israel in military technologies. The submarines are expected to feature advanced systems like AIP and a combat system designed by Atlas Elektronik and ST Electronics.

These submarines are not only armed with a range of weaponry but also have special features supporting covert operations. A specially designed airlock allows for the quiet insertion and extraction of special forces for covert missions. The submarines are anticipated to play a crucial role in enhancing Singapore's maritime defense capabilities, offering advanced technology and strategic capabilities in littoral waters.

Specification

Carrier: Singapore

Ordered: 2017

Builder: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kiel, Germany

Cost: $900 million

Launched: 18 February 2019

Acquired: Expected 2022

Class and type: Invincible - class submarine

Displacement:

• 2,200 tonnes (2,200 long tons) submerged
• 2,000 tonnes (2,000 long tons) tonnes surfaced

Length: 70 m (229 ft 8 in)

Beam: 6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)

Installed power: 2 × 120 kW PEM fuel cells

Propulsion: Air-independent propulsion

Speed:

• 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) (Submerged)
• 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) (Surfaced)

Complement: 28

Armament: 8 torpedo tubes

Roles

Underwater Attack

Move subsurface to find, track and/or attack or reconnaissance areas.

Sea Patrol

Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Fleet Support

Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Distinctive Features

Flatten

The hull of this vessel is designed to operate in coastal/shallow water environments.

Missile weapons

The ship supports long-range missile launches to air, sea or land-based targets; typical of modern design.

Torpedo

Able to launch torpedoes at distant targets.