Signing a Military Assistance Agreement and Accelerating of the S26T Submarine Project

02 Oktober 2026

Model of S26T submarine (photo: Asian Military Review)

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, revealed that on September 16, 2026, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence of Thailand, and Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China, witnessed the signing ceremony of an agreement on military assistance to support the Royal Thai Navy's S26T submarine procurement project.

In this regard, Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy and Chairman of the Submarine Procurement Project Executive Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy on behalf of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Command at the Beijing International Convention Center (BICC) during the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

This signing marks a significant step forward in the S26T submarine procurement project and represents a tangible achievement in military cooperation between the armed forces of both countries, which attach great importance to and jointly support the project. 

To ensure the Royal Thai Navy has effective submarines that are operationally ready and can be commissioned as planned, thereby strengthening national defense capabilities and safeguarding national maritime interests in the long term.

In accordance with the contract amendment in September 2025, the Chinese-made S26T submarine ordered by Thailand is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2028 (photo: RTN)

Throughout this process, the Royal Thai Navy has closely supervised, monitored, and driven the project's implementation, prioritizing coordination between the two countries, resolving issues that might affect the plan, and safeguarding the interests of the Royal Thai Navy and the nation. This ensures the project's continuous progress and achievement of its goals within the stipulated timeframe.

Following the signing, the Royal Thai Navy will closely monitor the implementation in cooperation with relevant agencies of the People's Republic of China, and expedite project management in all aspects, including technical aspects, construction, system testing, personnel training, and logistical readiness. 

The goal is to deliver the submarines on schedule, or even faster if possible, provided that all contract terms, technical standards, and safety requirements are fully met.

The Royal Thai Navy affirmed that it will manage the project with prudence, transparency, and accountability, continuously monitoring progress to ensure the S26T submarines are at their peak performance and readiness before commissioning. This will effectively enhance national defense capabilities, maintain sovereignty, and protect national maritime interests. 

The success of this project will be further important evidence reflecting the tangible friendship, trust, and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.

(RTN)