On May 7, German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) signed a new contract with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for the construction of two additional Type 218SG-class submarines.
With this order, TKMS’s contract portfolio reaches a record volume of approximately €16 billion, solidifying the growth of the naval defense sector.
+ Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashes during flight; pilot successfully ejected
According to the company, the production of the new submarines will take place at existing facilities in Germany, with no need for expansion, despite the high projected workload through the 2040s.
Long-standing partnership with Singapore
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, celebrated the contract signing and emphasized the importance of the cooperation:
“We are proud that Singapore has once again placed its trust in us. Our partnership goes beyond submarine construction; we feel a deep connection with the country and contribute our solutions to its security and defense.”
Singapore already operates 218SG-class submarines, and this new order is an extension of a program developed in cooperation between German engineers and specialists from the Asian country, aiming at fully customizing the vessels to meet the operational requirements of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Type 218SG: next-generation underwater power
Designed and built in Germany, the HDW Type 218SG represents the cutting edge in diesel-electric submarine technology. Measuring approximately 70 meters in length and displacing 2,000 tons, it is currently the largest submarine ever built by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
Key technological features include:
- Air-independent propulsion (AIP), enabling extended submerged operations
- High automation and improved maneuverability
- Greater payload capacity
- Low acoustic and radar signatures, reducing detectability
The combination of advanced technology, operational performance, reliability, and tactical superiority makes the Type 218SG a highly capable strategic asset for Singapore’s naval operations.
Source and images: Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
