RSS Impeccable (Invincible Class) – The Most Advanced Submarine In Southeast Asia Arrives In Singapore

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After being launched by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) Shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on 13 December 2022, currently the first unit of the Invincible class submarine – namely RSS Impeccable, is reported to have arrived at RSS Singapore – Changi Naval Base, on 20 July 2023. 

RSS Impeccable was not sailed from Germany, but was brought to Singapore by Rolldock Storm – a type of Semi Submersible Heavy Lift Vessel from Kiel on May 18, 2023.

With the presence of the RSS Impeccable (formerly called the Type 218SG), Singapore is now officially operating submarines with the most advanced technology in the Southeast Asian region.

As quoted from the press release of the Singapore Ministry of Defence, the RSS Impeccable was received in Singapore in a welcoming ceremony held at the Singapore RSS, attended by Rear Admiral Sean Wat and senior officers of Singapore's KSAL. The RSS Impeccable is one of four Invincible class submarines designed to operate in the shallow, traffic-heavy tropical waters of Singapore.

Tailor-made for Singapore's Invincible class, these submarines feature state-of-the-art capabilities, including a high degree of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance and ergonomics optimized for the Asian physique.

The addition of the RSS Impeccable to the Singapore Navy's arsenal further enhances the ability of the navy to protect Singapore and protect its vital maritime communications. RSS Impeccable will undergo a series of local sea trials and inspections towards full operationalization.

The Invicible class is one of the most modern diesel electric submarines in the world and features many special solutions and new technologies. These submarines are designed with a low acoustic signature. An external Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system allows the submarine to remain underwater for a longer duration.

With a length of about 70 meters and a displacement of about 2,000 tons, the Type 218SG is currently the largest submarine ever built by TKMS. This submarine can accelerate on the surface at a speed of 10 knots, and under the surface 15 knots. This submarine with a crew of 28 is equipped with 8 533 mm caliber torpedo launcher tubes.