22-4-2024 (SINGAPORE) Crafted through a collaboration between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and German manufacturer thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), the Inimitable is part of a quartet replacing the Navy’s former Challenger- and Archer-class vessels.
The launch ceremony, attended by AsiaOne, was officiated by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, with a traditional touch of smashing a champagne bottle onto the submarine’s hull, carried out by Teo Chee Hean’s sister, Teo Swee Lian, symbolising good fortune and protection for the vessel and its crew.
Joining the ceremony were dignitaries including Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How, German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Chief of German Navy Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, tkMS CEO Oliver Burkhard, and RSN’s Rear-Admiral Sean Wat.
Addressing the gathering, SM Teo stressed the vital role of Singapore’s submarine capability in safeguarding the sea lanes of communication, particularly with nearly 90,000 ships transiting through local waters annually.
He recounted Singapore’s submarine journey, from the introduction of refurbished Challenger-class vessels in the late 1980s to the unveiling of the Archer-class submarines with advanced digital systems. Burkhard highlighted the technological prowess of the Invincible-class submarines, describing them as the most modern conventional vessels globally, uniquely adapted for Singapore’s waters.
Lieutenant-Colonel Xander Lim, head of operations and training at the submarine project office, detailed the unique features of the Invincible-class, highlighting their enhanced manoeuvrability and prolonged underwater endurance. These submarines, tailored for Singapore’s shallow and busy waters, measure 70m in length, weigh 2,000 tonnes when surfaced, and require a crew of 28 members.
Following the launch, the Inimitable will undergo sea trials before its scheduled arrival in Singapore by 2025. Meanwhile, its predecessor, the Impeccable, slated for commissioning later this year, arrived on Singaporean shores in July 2023.
SM Teo affirmed tkMS’ continued partnership with RSN and ST Engineering for technical training and in-service support for the submarines.
