SINGAPORE - Singapore's Ministry of Defense signed a contract on May 16 with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) at the IMDEX 2017 exhibition in Singapore for two more Type 218 "SG" (Singapore-equipped) submarines. An earlier order for two of the air-independent propulsion (AIP) diesel-electric submarines placed on November 29, 2013 is currently underway with both vessels slated for delivery in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In the meantime, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) fields six submarines based on two classes.
The Type 218 is an evolution of TKMS' type 214 design, featuring a longer length at 70 meters and displacement of 2,000 tons. The longer length in the Type 218 design allows for additional mission systems to be included and future upgrades to be more easily undertaken.