Navy launches its second and third Invincible-class submarines

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) launched the second and third of its four Invincible-class submarines – Impeccable and Illustrious – in Kiel, Germany on 13 Dec.

Compared to its predecessors, the Invincible-class submarines are custom-built from scratch and equipped with automation capabilities to assist their crew in decision-making.

For instance, while the Challenger- and Archer-class submarines require manual calculation, data analytics tools on the Invincible-class allows it to take in information such as the speed of an incoming vessel and alert operators on the possibility of collision.

The submarines are also stealthier and more agile. They are equipped with an advanced Air Independent Propulsion system and a new rudder drive to navigate better in Singapore's shallow and busy waters.

The Invincible-class submarines will strengthen the Navy's capabilities in protecting Singapore's sea lines of communications, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who officiated the launch of the two boats.

He added that the submarines were testament to the warm and growing defence relations between Singapore and Germany, saying: "Our collaboration on this strategic capability underscores the depth of partnership and the trust between our navies and our defence industries."

"I am confident that the relationship between Germany and Singapore will grow from strength to strength, and I look forward to more meaningful interactions between our militaries."

Mr Lee's wife, Mdm Ho Ching, launched the two submarines which will begin their sea training phase next year and thereafter be delivered to Singapore. It is a long-standing naval tradition to have a lady launch sea-going vessels.

The first submarine Invincible was launched in 2019, while the fourth in its class, Inimitable is under construction

The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, RSN's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of German Navy Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack.

Training a potent crew

A credible submarine force gives the RSN a professional stature, helping it to build partnerships and send a message of deterrence, said Commanding Officer (Designate) of Impeccable, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Phang Chun Chieh.

"Many navies like to exercise with our submarines because we provide high training value and because we do well in these exercises," said LTC Phang, 37.

He and his crew of Impeccable as well as the crew of Illustrious began training in Kiel in June 2021, amid stringent Covid-19 measures.

As the submarines were still being built, the crew trained on four trainer systems that simulated training from fighting on a combat suite, to steering the boat and maintaining its equipment.

One of the systems, the Virtual Procedural Trainer (VPT), replicates the entire submarine – in all its 12 million parts – to realistically model the boat and its behavior.

"The VPT puts us in this virtual boat environment where I can actually see, assess and operate the valves…It provides high fidelity training in how we operate in our environment as well as how we respond to emergencies," said LTC Phang.

It is also a training feature that is new to the Invincible-class submarine. It will provide more robust training to raise "operationally-potent crew" in the submarine journey, added LTC Phang.

Such training helped Military Expert (ME) 2 Navinraj S/O Chandra Segran, 29, who is a first-time submariner. He previously served as a Navigation System Supervisor on board the frigate RSS Formidable.

Said the Underwater Systems Supervisor (Designate) for Impeccable: "In the frigate, I was the eyes of the ship, so I would navigate through my radar. But with the submarine, all I have is sound."

"So, I have to use sound and lines to determine where my vessel is. It's the same thing – navigation – but using a completely different sensor."

The Invincible-class submarines, though bigger in size, will be manned by a crew of 28, the same as with its predecessors.

Once ready, they will replace the Navy's current submarines, which have been operational for over 20 years.

The RSN currently operates two Challenger-class and two Archer-class submarines, which were acquired from second-hand from Sweden and refurbished.