Singapore to acquire 2 new submarines

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced today that they have signed a contract with Thyssenkrupp Marine System GmBH to acquire two new Type 218SG submarines.

The contract includes a logistics package and a crew training arrangement in Germany. The two submarines are projected for delivery from 2020.

These submarines, together with the Archer-class submarines, will replace the ageing Challenger-class submarines.

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

The replacement submarines will have significantly improved capabilities and be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion systems, the Ministry added.

yamadak@sph.com.sg