Thailand pushes to fund acquisition of second S26T submarine

The S26T submarine based on the Chinese Type 039A Yuan-class. Photo c/o The Thaiger news.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is pushing ahead to request for funding to allow the order of a second submarine from China.

This will be needing parliament approval, which is already nearing of the country's 2020 fiscal budget bill. The plan for a second submarine is expected to be funded starting 2020.

The Thai government approved in-principle to acquire 3 submarines for the RTN in 2016. 

The RTN selected a derivative of the Type 039A Yuan-class diesel-electeic submarine used by China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) called the S26T. 

The first submarine was ordered from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. in May 2017 under a deal worth THB13.5 billion (US$390 million) and already under construction.

The first submarine is being paid in seven installment from 2017 to 2023. Should an order for a second and third submarines happen, these are expected also to be paid in a similar scheme.

The RTN has not acquired a submarine for more than 60 years, and believes that it is important to improve their naval defense capabilities.

[1] Bangkok Post
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