Latest news with #Invincible-class
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Singapore to acquire two more invincible-class submarines
SINGAPORE: (Bernama) Singapore's Defence Ministry (Mindef) has signed a contract with Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to acquire two additional Invincible-class submarines, growing its submarine fleet to six. Mindef said in a statement on Thursday that the additional submarines are projected for delivery from 2034 as part of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) submarine force renewal programme to meet operational requirements. "Customised by the Defence Science and Technology Agency for Singapore's needs, the Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in shallow and busy tropical waters and to be leanly crewed by the RSN's specialised submariners. "The acquisition of the two additional Invincible-class submarines further enhances the RSN's ability to protect our sea lines of communication, with a steady state of six submarines for our submarine fleet,' it said. The procurement was previously announced by the ministry at the Committee of Supply 2025 debate in Parliament. Mindef said two of the four existing Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, have been commissioned in September 2024. "The trials and acceptance for the third and fourth submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, are progressing well in Germany, and they are expected to return to Singapore by 2028,' it added. - Bernama
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Mindef signs contract to acquire two more Invincible-class submarines
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhard (left) and Defence Science and Technology Agency chief executive Ng Chad-Son at the contract signing ceremony on May 7. PHOTO: DSTA SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced on May 8 that it has signed a contract with Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to acquire two additional Invincible-class submarines. This will bring the number of submarines in Singapore's fleet to a total of six, which the ministry said 'further enhances the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) ability to protect our sea lines of communication'. The move was previously announced at the budget debate in March, when Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said that Singapore planned several hardware upgrades for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). At the time, Dr Ng noted that the RSN's submarine programme was on track, but two additional Invincible-class submarines were needed as four would not be optimal for a submarine fleet, due to the vessels requiring more rigorous and frequent maintenance cycles as they operate under intense pressure. Mindef said on May 8 that the submarines are part of the RSN's approach to long-term capability development. 'Customised by the Defence Science and Technology Agency for Singapore's needs, the Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in shallow and busy tropical waters, and to be leanly crewed by the RSN's specialised submariners,' said the ministry. The additional submarines are projected for delivery from 2034 . Two of the four existing Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were commissioned in September 2024. Mindef added that the trials and acceptance for the third and fourth submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, are progressing well in Germany, and they are expected to arrive in Singapore by 2028. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
AsiaOne
08-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Singapore Navy acquires 2 additional Invincible-class submarines, bringing fleet to 6, Singapore News
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has signed a contract with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to acquire two more Invincible-class submarines, growing its fleet to six from 2034 onwards. The procurement of two additional submarines was previously announced by Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Committee of Supply 2025 debate in Parliament on March 3. "Four submarines are not optimal for a submarine fleet," said Dr Ng. He explained that submarines are subjected to more rigorous and frequent maintenance cycles as they operate under intense pressure. This is in turn affects operational time. "This is why most navies that operate submarines have more than four — Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam", added Dr Ng. The Republic of Singapore Navy started building four custom-made Invincible-class submarines, in Germany, in 2017. Two of the four existing submarines, the RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were commissioned in September 2024 and have begun operations in Singapore waters. Mindef also said that trials and acceptance for the third and fourth submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable are progressing well in Germany, and they are expected to return to Singapore by 2028. The Invincible-class submarine is designed for operations in Singapore's shallow and tropical waters. Custom-built for Singapore's needs, the four submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and ergonomics optimised for the Asian physique. Each submarine is 70m long, weighs 2,000 tonnes, and requires a 28-man crew to operate. [[nid:702715]] editor@
Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
PM Wong congratulates newly elected German Chancellor Merz, thanks outgoing Scholz
SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended congratulations to newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 6, and also thanked his predecessor Olaf Scholz for strengthening ties with Singapore, in a letters penned to the two German leaders on May 6. Singapore and Germany share a deep friendship marked by both countries elevating relations to a strategic partnership in November, PM Wong wrote in the letters, noting that 2025 is also the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two nations. The strategic partnership will deepen existing economic and security cooperation, while offering a platform for Singapore and Germany to collaborate on areas including artificial intelligence, digitalisation and clean energy, wrote PM Wong. He also reiterated both countries' commitment to upholding open trade and international law within a rules-based global order. There are more than 2,300 German companies present in Singapore, noted PM Wong, as German businesses use Singapore as a gateway to South-east Asia and the Asia Pacific regions, including through already-signed free trade agreements, a prospect he welcomed. The prime minister also thanked outgoing chancellor Scholz for his efforts in strengthening ties between Singapore and Germany. Bilateral relations flourished during Mr Scholz's tenure, wrote PM Wong, with the 2024 strategic partnership upgrading coming when he was leader. Defence ties between both nations were strengthened under Mr Scholz, who also supported Singapore's Navy during the launch of two Invincible-class submarines ordered from Germany in December 2022, alongside then-premier Lee Hsien Loong, wrote PM Wong. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
AsiaOne
22-04-2025
- Health
- AsiaOne
'Steady in crisis, bold in imagining possibilities': PM Wong thanks Ng Eng Hen for contributions to Singapore, Singapore News
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his gratitude to Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, who will be stepping down after 24 years in politics. In a Facebook post on Monday (April 21), PM Wong shared how he had worked with Dr Ng in the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) during the former's early days in politics. "Eng Hen brought clarity and depth to every Cabinet discussion. He is steady in crisis, bold in imagining possibilities, and thoughtful in analysing problems. He was a role model and source of advice for me and other younger ministers," he wrote. PM Wong added that while Dr Ng has served in various ministries during his time in office and left a lasting mark on them, he will be best remembered as Minister for Defence — a role he held for more than a decade. "Well respected regionally and internationally for his thoughtful and incisive assessments, he raised Singapore's stature and standing," he wrote. 'The road less travelled' PM Wong also penned a valedictory letter to Dr Ng on the same day, expressing his "deep appreciation" for the latter's "many years of service to Singapore". He pointed out that Dr Ng left a successful career as a surgeon to embark on what the latter referred to as "the road less travelled". Dr Ng started at the Ministry of Manpower while Singapore was recovering from the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, working closely with tripartite partners to uplift lower-wage workers, improve job security and enhance workplace safety, said PM Wong. He also highlighted Dr Ng's foresight in championing longevity insurance, which laid the groundwork for the CPF Life scheme. During his time as Minister for Education, Dr Ng expanded tertiary pathways for students, PM Wong said. He established the Singapore University of Technology and Design to train future leaders who can serve society through innovative work in design and technology and strengthened the Polytechnic-Foreign Specialised Institution initiative, which paved the way for the Singapore Institute of Technology. Nanyang Technological University's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore's third medical school, was also established under his leadership. Dr Ng also supported educators and their professional development when he helped set up the Academy of Singapore Teachers, added PM Wong. Singapore's longest serving Defence Minister As Minister for Defence — the role he is best known for — Dr Ng guided the modernisation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), ensuring it stayed ahead in a more complex threat environment and fast-moving technological shifts, said PM Wong. Dr Ng was appointed second minister for defence in 2005 and has helmed the ministry since 2011. He is Singapore's longest serving defence minister. Under his leadership, the SAF acquired and developed next-generation capabilities, from F-35 fighter jets and Invincible-class submarines to unmanned systems. He also led the establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Service, which strengthened Singapore's capabilities in the digital, cyber and information domains. The SAF not only stood ready for battle, but proved its worth in peacetime when it played a critical role in supporting Singapore's Covid-19 response, added PM Wong. It also led cooperation platforms overseas, such as the Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre and Counter-Terrorism Information Facility. It has also delivered critical assistance globally, including humanitarian support for civilians in Gaza. Dr Ng never forgot that people form the heart of the SAF, and he championed realistic training while improving safety for soldiers, PM Wong added. Besides overseeing the development of Safti City for realistic urban warfare training, he set up the Inspector-General's Office to strengthen safety in the SAF and established the SAF Volunteer Corps so the broader community could contribute to Singapore's defence. Dr Ng also made a strong mark on the international stage as Singapore's chief defence diplomat, respected by counterparts for his clarity of thought and incisive assessments, said PM Wong. "Through your efforts, Singapore built strong defence ties around the world, expanded our strategic space and strengthened our standing globally." Dr Ng also served as Leader of the House from 2011 to 2015 and was a steady anchor as well as Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC's longest serving MP, deeply committed to his residents' well-being, PM Wong said. "In these and many other ways, you have shaped Singapore. On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank you for your dedication and service." [[nid:716929]]
