RSN to build submarine trainer suite for Type 218SG submarines

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is developing a submarine trainer suite (STS) to provide the required training for crew members of the service’s newest fleet of four Type 218SG submarines.

The new trainer suite is currently in the design review phase and is slated to feature command team, steering and diving, virtual procedural and maintenance training systems.

It is expected to allow the RSN to train and qualify the submarines’ crew members for operations within realistic, simulated at-sea environment.

The Type 218SG vessels have been designed to replace the navy’s Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines.

RSN intends to deploy the new submarines in order to improve its ability to protect the waters of Singapore, as well as safeguard the country’s access to the sea lines of communication (SLOC).

The Type 218SG vessels are being built as part of the Singapore Navy’s long-term capability development and submarine force renewal programme.

They will represent the first new-build vessels to be specially developed to meet the RSN’s operating conditions.

In addition, the 70m-long submarines are fitted with advanced capabilities such as modern combat systems and air-independent propulsion technologies.

The vessel is also capable of carrying a wider range of mission payloads than previous models.

It has been developed using new design and advanced maintenance and engineering concepts, which are anticipated to help optimise training, operation and maintenance costs.

The vessel has a surface displacement of 2,000t, a submerged displacement of 2,200t and submerged speed of more than 15k.

Construction work on the first two Type 218SG submarines has already commenced, while the first cut of steel for the remaining two vessels was carried out in January.

The Singapore Navy is expected to begin delivering the ships in 2021.