TKMS, ST Engineering sign MoU for joint service centre in Singapore

TKMS has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Marine division of ST Engineering to examine the potential for a joint service and maintenance hub in Singapore.

The MoU was signed by TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard and ST Engineering Marine president Tan Leong Peng on 24 March 2026.

Germany’s Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, who is on a three-day official visit to Singapore, attended the signing together with Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Chan Chun Sing.

The initiative aims to support the operational readiness of Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) submarines as well as those operated by other international navies using TKMS submarines.

Both parties will consider opportunities related to overhaul, maintenance, logistical support, upgrades, and modification orders for navies operating the vessels.

The agreement builds on existing cooperation between TKMS and ST Engineering’s Marine arm, which already collaborate on through-life support for the RSN’s fleet of 218SG class submarines.

TKMS operates locally through its subsidiary, TKMS Singapore, which works alongside ST Engineering to deliver maintenance and service solutions for RSN’s submarine fleet and associated training systems.

Oliver Burkhard said: “The collaboration with ST Engineering represents a strong foundation for ensuring the long-term operational readiness of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s submarines as well as those of other navies that operate TKMS submarines.

“By combining our expertise with ST Engineering’s shipyard capabilities and service expertise, we are creating a high-performance maintenance and service network in Singapore—for the benefit of the RSN and our international partners.”

Looking ahead, both companies have indicated plans to extend their submarine service and maintenance offerings to the German Navy and additional international operators of TKMS submarines.

This agreement signals an effort by both firms to reinforce their positions as service partners for advanced submarine technologies across the Asia-Pacific region.

In May of the previous year, the Singapore Ministry of Defence entered into an agreement with TKMS for the purchase of two more Invincible-class submarines, bringing the total number in the country’s fleet to six.

Two Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were commissioned in September 2024.

Trials and acceptance processes for the third and fourth submarines, Illustrious and Inimitable, are underway in Germany, with both vessels scheduled to arrive in Singapore by 2028.