Thailand launches second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel

The second Krabi-class OPV Prachuap Khiri Khan. Photo c/o RTN.

Thai shipbuilder Bangkok Dock Limited launched the second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), with ceremonies held in Chonburi on 2 August 2019.

Once it is delivered, the ship will be commissioned as the HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (OPV-552). 

The Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) was based on the River-class OPVs of the UK Royal Navy designed and built by BAE Systems, and was built under a technology transfer agreement signed with Bangkok Dock Ltd. 

The ship has a displacement of around 2,000 tons, an overall length of 90.5 meters, an overall beam of 13.5 meters, and a draught of 3.5 meters. It is powered by 2 diesel engines allowing a top speed of up to 25 knots, and a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 15 knots.

It will be fitted with combat, navigation, and communication suite from Thales, and will be armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, two secondary 30mm guns, and two twin launchers for the Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missiles.



[1] Jane’s Navy International
[2] Naval Today
[3] Naval News