Dr Ng opens largest IMDEX; announces sub acquisition

"Singapore's huge investments into building maritime facilities as well as the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and other maritime security agencies underscore our deep appreciation and recognition that these sea lines of communications, or SLOCs, must remain open and stable for all to use.

"SLOCs are the global commons which we and all other stakeholders must collectively protect and preserve," said Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen at the opening of the 11th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia on 16 May.

During his speech, Dr Ng also announced that the RSN would be acquiring another two Type 218SG submarines in addition to the first two that were acquired in 2013.

Dr Ng was speaking to about 30 navy chiefs, vice navy chiefs and directors-general of coast guards, as well as about 40 flag rank officers from 44 nations. This year saw the largest turn-out of participants, with more than 230 exhibitors from 29 countries, as well as 28 warships from 20 countries for the IMDEX Asia Warships Display.

Held at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 16 to 18 May, IMDEX Asia is Asia Pacific's largest maritime defence exhibition.

This year's installment was also held in conjunction with the RSN's 50th anniversary. In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted the RSN's role and efforts in keeping regional maritime security threats at bay. These include the Malacca Straits Patrol, involving Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as Singapore's offer of the Information Fusion Centre in RSS Singapura -- Changi Naval Base.

Dr Ng also urged all those present to work together in keeping the regional waters safe and open: "To maintain these virtuous conditions of freedom of navigation and growing trade, we must be able to find common ground to strengthen maritime security through constructive dialogues, cooperation, practical solutions, and common rules in dealing with security challenges we face. I am confident that your interactions will bring us closer to this common goal."

On the role of the new submarines, Dr Ng said: "At steady state, the four Type 218SG submarines in service will complement each other in maintenance, logistics and operations, and have better capabilities to protect our SLOCs."

Designed and built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the Type 218SG submarines incorporate design innovation and advanced maintenance and engineering concepts to optimise training, operation and maintenance costs. They will also be equipped with significantly improved capabilities like modern combat systems and Air Independent Propulsion systems. The contract includes a logistics package and crew training arrangement in Germany.

The first two Type 218SGs will be delivered from 2021, and the other two are expected to arrive in Singapore from 2024.

"The 218SG subs will represent state-of-the-art submarine technology because it's combining the very solid submarine technology of our conventional submarines with new technology that has been introduced in submarines designed for the German navy," said Mr Thies St ber, Senior Vice-President of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and the Programme Director of the Type 218SG submarines.

Mr St ber also offered updates on the progress of the first two submarines: "The programme is going as planned. The first boat is already in outfitting -- the steel sections are already built and painted, and now we are installing the outfitting material and the ship's technical and electronic equipment. And the second boat is in steel conception."

On the sidelines of IMDEX Asia, the Naval Chiefs of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) member-nations jointly called on Dr Ng.

Vice-Admiral (VADM) Timothy Barrett from the Royal Australian Navy, Admiral (ADM) Ahmad Kamarulzaman Badaruddin from the Royal Malaysian Navy, Rear-Admiral (RADM) John Martin from the Royal New Zealand Navy, RADM Lai Chung Han from the RSN and ADM Sir Philip Jones from the Royal Navy also met to reaffirm their commitment to the FPDA.

Earlier in the day, India's Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff, ADM Sunil Lanba also called on Dr Ng as part of his introductory visit to Singapore from 14 to 18 May.