Modernization of Two Coastal Minehunter Vessel have Completed

05 September 2019

Royal Thai Navy has completed modernization of two Bangrajun-class Minehunter Coastal include MHC-631 HTMS Bangrajun (II) and MHC-632 HTMS Nong Sarai (II) by United Kingdom company's Thales UK and now ready for operation (photos : Minehunter Squadron)

On 22 March 2016, the Minister of Defence approved the upgrade of a coastal minehunter of HMS Bang Rachan, for a 3-year budget works for 1,110 days.

The objective of the project is to enable the minehunter ship, Bang Rachan to be capable of carrying out anti-sea mine missions, surveying and collecting information on minefield warfare personnel, entry-exit channels and the landing area of ​​the country's military bases and important seaports on both sides of the coast have been continuous and effective for at least another 15 years. At present, the operation has been accomplished.

The improved system is considered as a modern and advanced system. Keep up with current and future mine warfare technology, in line with our vision. "It is a battle force with high performance. To the international level in land mines. "

On 21 August 2019 Rear Admiral Thanan Chaiyaboonyarakan, Commander in Chief of the Staff, was the chairman of the ceremony to send the squadron of survey ships and gather information on the 9th round of the Battle of Por Kor at the terminal no 62. HTMS Bang Rachan and HTMS Nong Sarai is the main force in performing this civil service with a mobile anti-mines suit.

Two coastal mine hunting boats Bang Rachan class of the, HTMS Bang Rachan and HTMS Nong Sarai, based on the M48 model built by the shipyard company Friedrich Lurssen Werft in 1987. At present, the Royal Thai Navy HTMS Bang Rachan ship has been used for over 32 years. 

Modernization by Thales UK, with a budget of approximately 2.775 billion baht ($ 89,315,875) this ship will be able to continue service again for 15 years until about the year 2034 ever, which this boat has been operating in a mobile anti-mine suit.

(AAG)