Thailand eyes upgrade and improvement works on 2 Chao Phraya-class frigates

HTMS Chao Phraya (FFG-455) of the Royal Thai Navy. 

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is reportedly eyeing the upgrade works for 2 of their 4 Chao Phraya-class frigates, which are now more than 25 years old but is still regarded as an important asset to the fleet.

The 4 frigates of the class, the HTMS Chao Phraya (FFG-455), HTMS Bangpakong (FFG-456), HTMS Kraburi (FFG-457) and HTMS Saiburi (FFG-458), were built in China as the Type 053HT based on the Type 053H2 frigate of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Thailand ordered in 1991 and commissioned to the RTN in 1995, with the ships having Thai-specific modifications compared to the original Chinese design.

Of the 4 ships, HTMS Chao Phraya and HTMS Bangpakong, both of which has no helicopter flight deck facilities, are said to be the ones planned for upgrade, to keep up with the technology of its newer fleet assets.

Upgrade works may include replacing the Chinese 100mm naval gun with a 76/62mm automatic gun, replacing the 37mm secondary guns with 30mm guns in remote weapon stations.

Also planned for replacement as the combat management system and surveillance systems, as well as integrating a new tactical data link and electronic support measures  to allow better performance in command and control ,target detection and tracking, communication, integration with the existing combat network, and weapons control.

No timeline has been set although it is expected to happen soon considering the RTN has been phasing in new platforms  to improve its overall operational capability and availability.


[1] AAG-Th Thai Defense Page
[2] Naval Recognition
Thailand eyes upgrade and improvement works on 2 Chao Phraya-class frigates Thailand eyes upgrade and improvement works on 2 Chao Phraya-class frigates Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on August 10, 2020 Rating: 5

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