Mindef buys 2 new submarines which will be delivered by 2020

FireIce SG

Singapore will for the first time buy brand new submarines. The Defence Ministry (Mindef) said in a statement on Monday that it inked a deal with German defence contractor Thyssenkrupp Marine System on Nov 29 to buy two Type 218SG vessels.

The contract includes a logistics package and the training of Singaporean crew in Germany. The new vessels, together with two second-hand Archer-class submarines, will replace four ageing Challenger-class submarines.

Mindef said that the Challenger-class vessels, which were built in the 1960s, will be progressively retired from service. The new vessels are expected to be delivered from 2020.

The decision to buy the new German-made submarines follows Defence Minister Ng Hen's comments in March about Mindef's plan to replace the Challenge submarines with new ones.

Bio-Hawk SG

Why no Scorpene?

ditzy SG

Because 2013 budget only got that much.

TIB868X SG

Decent and prudent buy. Now awaiting news on F-35s, if any...

Goldfish Uncle SG

Should buy submarine aircraft carriers (2-3 planes each).

Gun SG

Why no Scorpene?

LOL. Almost that same question was asked here in 2005. Time really flies!

http://sgforums.com/forums/1164/topics/155323

My guess is the French's sub was part of the final 2012 contender for 4 orders with tech transfer as part of the deal, Ultimately, it was the the ex-U boat maker from Germany wins.

Since this is the 1st time RSN is getting brand new sub vs the 2nd hands + the fact there is already a crew of operationally experienced submariners, getting a more capable and more customized sub is a logical move update the sub warfare knowhow.

In any case, the Type 218 design spec is probably very unique given the new designation eventhough it is likely to be aased on a concept design of 4000-ton Type 216.

Question is if the propulsion will use TMS's fuel-cell AIP.

http://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/hdw-fuel-cell-aip-system.html

charlize SG

FireIce SG

hen cheem...........

charlize SG

I was lost after 23 words.

Gun SG

Let's just say Singapore has been focusing on naval assets that have wider strategic implication around SEA.

This is the most effective way to achieve by having force-multiplying weapon platforms that can project effective control without being too visible, especially for our neighboring countries.

We now have 6 surface stealth vessels with 6 below-water subs that can operate as in brown-water task force. This very much shows the long term plan to extend RSN operational reach inline with current RSAF capablility.

6 Formidable class steath frigate + 6 littoral submarines.