Singapore receives third Invincible-class submarine

Singapore's third Invincible-class submarine, Illustrious , seen here at its homecoming ceremony on 9 April 2026. (Singapore Ministry of Defence)

Singapore has received its third Invincible‑class submarine, which will be in service as RSS Illustrious once commissioned.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) held a homecoming ceremony for the vessel at Changi Naval Base on 9 April, the country's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said the following day.

Illustrious was launched in Kiel, Germany, in December 2022, although MINDEF has yet to confirm its commissioning date. The submarine forms part of a programme to equip the RSN with six custom-built diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) optimised for operations in shallow, congested tropical maritime environments.

The SSKs are based on ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' Type 218SG design and were ordered under two contracts signed in 2013 and 2017. They replace Singapore's older Challenger‑ and Archer‑class submarines. The first- and second-of-class boats, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were both commissioned in September 2024.

The Invincible‑class SSKs are significantly larger than the boats they replace. Each vessel measures about 70 m in length and displaces approximately 2,000 tonnes when surfaced and 2,200 tonnes when submerged.

The class features eight torpedo tubes and an X‑shaped stern control surface arrangement, which enhances manoeuvrability in confined and shallow waters.

While MINDEF has not disclosed the specific weapon systems fitted, it has said the submarines are designed to carry higher payloads and operate with longer endurance than earlier RSN submarines.

MINDEF also said on 10 April that its programme to procure three other Invincible‑class submarines is proceeding as planned.

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