Thailand may postpone acquisition of second frigate to fund second submarine

The HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG-471). A similar ship was planned for the RTN but may have to be delayed in favor of an S26T submarine from China. Photo c/o RTN.


The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is planning to postpone its plan to acquire a second brand new frigate from South Korea, and instead use the funding to allow the acquisition of a second S26T diesel-electric submarine from China.

The funds are expected to be released within the 2020 fiscal year.

The first S26T submarine is already under construction in China, and is expected to be delivered to the RTN by 2023. A second submarine is expected to cost around THB13.5 billion (US$442 million), and will be paid for in instalments spread over 7 years.

The RTN plans to have three (3) new submarines from China under a THB36 billion long term plan, and having them all delivered by 2030.

The RTN was also planning to build a second frigate similar to the recently delivered HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG-471), which was built by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). A second frigate is expected to cost around THB15 billion (US$491 million).

A decision is expected to be released before yearend.


[1] Bangkok Post

Thailand may postpone acquisition of second frigate to fund second submarine Thailand may postpone acquisition of second frigate to fund second submarine Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on September 25, 2019 Rating: 5

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