Oral Reply by SMS Heng Chee How to Parliamentary Question on Strategic Importance of Submarines to Regional Security on 2 Aug 2023

Mr Desmond Choo: To ask the Minister for Defence what is the strategic importance of submarines, especially the Invincible-class, to Singapore's ability to protect our territorial waters and contribute to regional security.

Senior Minister of State for Defence, Heng Chee How:

As a maritime nation, Singapore is highly reliant on the free and unimpeded movement of goods and materials across our Sea Lines of Communication. Within our Navy, which is tasked with the crucial mission of keeping these lines open, submarines are a strategic asset. With their stealth, submarines complement our surface fleet in countering surface and sub-surface threats, and serve as a deterrence to potential aggressors.

Our second-hand Challenger- and Archer-class submarines, which are more than 60 years and 40 years old respectively, will be retired soon. They will be replaced by four Invincible-class submarines that are the RSN's first new-build submarines designed to our needs and operational requirements. Equipped with an advanced rudder drive system, the new submarines can better conduct manoeuvres in our shallow and busy tropical waters. They are designed to stay submerged for 50% longer than the Archer-class submarines, and equipped with better sensors and combat systems. Human factors have also been factored into the design and engineering to make work onboard safer and more effective, and living conditions improved and more sustainable.

Overall, the new submarines will significantly enhance the Navy's capabilities to protect Singapore's interests at sea.