Construction begins on two more AIP submarines for Singapore

A steel-cutting ceremony has been held for another two Type 218SG, air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines for the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Powered by diesel-electric engines, the 2,000-tonne submarines are about 70 metres long and have a crew of 28.

The AIP submarines, together with newer Archer-class submarines, will replace the 50-year-old Challenger-class submarines Singapore acquired from Sweden between 1995 and 1997.

The first two submarines in the class, which were ordered in 2013, are set to be delivered to Singapore in 2021 and 2022.

Under the contract signed with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in May, the third and fourth submarines are scheduled to be handed over from 2024.