Thailand commissions second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel

The HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (OPV-552) during its commissioning. Photo c/ o Royal Thai Navy.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has commissioned its second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in ceremonies held at Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi province on 27 September 2019.

The ship, named HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (OPV-552), is based on the River-class OPV design by BAE Systems for the UK Royal Navy.

Launching to commissioning was noted to be quick since the ship was recently launched only last August 2019.

The Krabi-class has a length of 90.5 meters, a beam of 13.5 meters, and draught at 3.5 meters. It reaches a maximum speed of 25 knots and maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles at 15 knots.

The ship is armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, two MSI Defence 30mm remote weapon systems, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and four Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The RTN is planning to build more ships of the class although no timetable was provided on additional orders as the service is more focused on its submarine, frigate, and landing platform dock projects.


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