Thailand’s Future Submarines to Have a Mix of Chinese, Western Weapons

03 Februari 2018

Thailand is likely to have a mix of Chinese and western-made weapons across its future fleet of three submarines. Move is reminiscent of a similar arrangement made for the country’s China-made Naresuan-class frigates, which can deploy advanced western weapon systems (image : Thanasak Saisood)

The Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN’s) planned fleet of S26T submarines is likely to feature a mix of combat and platform systems from Chinese and western suppliers across all three boats, a senior RTN officer told a defence conference that took place in late-January 2018.

Speaking under the Chatham House Rule, the officer, who is involved directly in the procurement project, said this possible outcome is a result of export control restrictions that have been imposed by the respective governments of these western suppliers.

(Jane's)