KIEL (dpa-AFX) - A new submarine for the Singapore Navy has been christened "Inimitable" at the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) shipyard in Kiel. The ceremony on Monday was also attended by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and Singapore's former Deputy Prime Minister and current Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.

"Singapore is an important partner for us in security policy and our cooperation is not limited to arms cooperation," said Pistorius. "Singapore is both a logistical and political hub in the region." A large proportion of global trade passes through the Straits of Singapore in South East Asia.

The godmother was Teo Swee Lian, the sister of the Singaporean minister. The "Inimitable" is the last of four Invincible-class boats for Singapore. They are 70 meters long and are among the largest submarines to have been built in Germany since the Second World War. The submarines have an air-independent fuel cell propulsion system. They are designed for a crew of 28 men and women. The total value of the defense contract is likely to be in the billions.

TKMS boss Oliver Burkhard emphasized that "the submarines built in this project are the most modern conventional submarines the world has ever seen". They belong to a new generation and are also the largest submarines ever built in Germany. The "Inimitable" is due to be handed over to Singapore in 2025./akl/DP/ngu