Article Posted on : - Dec 06, 2013

The Challenger class submarine of the RSN. An official photo

SINGAPORE (BNS): The Singapore Defence Ministry has signed a contract with Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine System GmBH to acquire two new Type 218SG conventional submarines.

The contract, announced on December 2, includes a logistics package and a crew training arrangement in Germany.

The two submarines are projected for delivery from 2020.

The new class of submarines, together with the Archer-class subs, will replace the ageing Challenger-class submarines operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The Challenger-class submarines were built in the 1960s and will be progressively retired from service.

The new submarines will have significantly improved capabilities and will be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, the Defence Ministry said.

The RSN presently operates four Challenger-class and two Archer-class diesel-electric submarines.

The 218SG is a customised design from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, specifications of which have not been revealed by the company.

The Asian city state aims to strengthen its defence capabilities as it has annouced plans in recent months to acquire new Aster-30 surface-to-air missile systems and upgrade its fleet of F-16 fighter jets. The Navy is also acquiring new patrol crafts for maritime defence purposes.