The German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has secured a new order for the construction of large submarines, despite the fact that its future is still unclear.
Singapore’s state-owned Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has ordered two more Type 218SG submarines, it was announced today.
It is the expansion of a cooperation that is already very profitable for TKMS. Following the “Invincible”, the “Impeccable”, the “Illustrious” and the “Inimitable”, a total of six submarines will now be built for the Southeast Asian city state.
The design of the type 218SG submarines is based on a low signature. The air-independent propulsion system should enable them to remain under water for longer. With a length of around 70 m and a displacement of around 2,000 tons, they are reportedly currently the largest submarines ever built by Marine Systems.
Singapore initially ordered two submarines from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in 2013 for around €1.7 billion. This was followed by an order for two more boats in 2016. They are to replace four older Swedish-built naval units in Singapore. The navy of the city state on the Strait of Malacca acquired its first submarines 20 years ago. The reason for this is the rearmament in China.
With this order, TKMS’ order book – a “record order book” according to the company – has grown to around €16 billion. The positive market development is also continuing in the marine sector, according to the statement. CEO Oliver Burkhard emphasized today: “The order expansion once again underlines the generally positive market situation in naval shipbuilding and gives us the opportunity to further expand our very well-filled order book. We are also proud that Singapore has once again placed its trust in us, as our partnership goes far beyond the production of submarines. We feel deeply connected to the country and our products contribute to the security and defense capability of the customer country.”
Production within the existing capacity framework
According to the shipbuilder, the order expansion can be handled within the existing capacities in Germany, “despite high capacity utilization into the 2040s”. As recently as December 2024, the company received major orders worth billions, including four more 212CD submarines for the German Navy, the new research icebreaker “Polarstern” and funding for the project launch of the new F127 frigate generation.
TKMS currently employs over 8,000 people at three shipyards in Kiel, after the takeover of the former MV shipyard in Wismar and in Itajaí in Brazil, as well as at locations worldwide. Around 3,300 employees work in Kiel, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany. For years, however, there have been repeated rumors and efforts to separate the shipbuilding arm from the Thyssenkrupp Group even further or even to sell it. However, a final decision has reportedly not yet been made.
Technical details of the “Invincible” class
- Length: 70 m
- Displacement at the surface: 2,000 tons
- Displacement at depth: 2,200 tons
- Speed on the surface: more than 10 knots
- Speed at depth: more than 15 kn
- Equipment: 8 torpedo tubes
- Crew: 28 crew members
