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)

Fourth and Final RAAAF MC-55A Peregrine Delivered

02 Oktober 2026

MC-55A Peregrine N542GD (photos: Rod B)

Seen arriving at Edinburgh this afternoon (Sept, 29) is MC-55A Peregrine N542GD. 

This is the fourth and final delivery of the type to the RAAF and it will eventually wear serial A51-002. 

The Peregrine passed through Honolulu before spending last weekend in Nadi, Fiji 

(DU Aviation News)

First Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Launched in Germany

02 Oktober 2026

Launched of Sentinel OPV (photos: RSN)

Earlier today, we launched our first Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), Sentinel, in Germany. The OPVs are Singapore Government Vessels purpose-built to meet the increased demands and wider scope of maritime security operations.

The ceremony was officiated by Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing. He was joined by Mrs Chan as the Lady Sponsor who formally christened the ship, German Federal Minister of Defence Mr Boris Pistorius, Chief of German Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Wilhelm Tobias Abry, our Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, and senior defence officials from both countries.

The four OPVs will replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs) and will be delivered progressively from 2028.

(RSN)

Marinir Uji Thermal Weapon Sight Buatan Ceko

01 Oktober 2026

Uji fungsi Thermal Meotherm SARF 01 DF-V2 Weapon Sight buatan Ceko (photos: PasMar2)

Danbrigif 2 Marinir Uji Langsung Thermal Weapon Sight Buatan Ceko

Dispen Kormar, TNI AL (Madura). Komandan Brigade Infanteri 2 Marinir (Danbrigif 2 Mar) Kolonel Marinir Eko Budi Prasetyo Adi Saputro mengikuti Uji Fungsi Pengadaan Thermal Meotherm SARF 01 DF-V2 Weapon Sight buatan Republik Ceko di Lorong Tembak Laboratorium Induk Senjata (Labinsen), Jl. Sukolilo Barat No. 147, Desa Sukolilo, Kecamatan Labang, Kabupaten Bangkalan, Madura, Selasa (29/09). Kegiatan tersebut dilaksanakan untuk melihat secara langsung kemampuan dan kinerja perangkat weapon sight berbasis termal dalam mendukung kemampuan pengamatan dan pembidikan.

Dalam kegiatan tersebut, Danbrigif 2 Marinir turut mengikuti rangkaian pengujian guna memastikan perangkat dapat berfungsi sesuai spesifikasi dan kebutuhan operasional satuan. “Uji fungsi ini menjadi bagian penting untuk memastikan kesiapan dan kemampuan Thermal Meotherm SARF 01 DF-V2 Weapon Sight dalam mendukung tugas operasional prajurit. Melalui pengujian secara langsung, kita dapat mengetahui kemampuan perangkat sekaligus memastikan kesesuaiannya dengan kebutuhan prajurit Korps Marinir,” ujar Kolonel Marinir Eko Budi Prasetyo Adi Saputro.

Danbrigif 2 Marinir menegaskan bahwa pemanfaatan teknologi dan peralatan modern perlu diimbangi dengan kesiapan personel dalam mengoperasikan serta memanfaatkan peralatan secara optimal. “Yang tidak kalah penting adalah kesiapan prajurit dalam mengoperasikan peralatan ini. Teknologi harus diikuti dengan peningkatan kemampuan dan profesionalisme personel sehingga dapat memberikan dukungan optimal terhadap pelaksanaan tugas,” tegas Danbrigif 2 Marinir.

(PasMar 2)

Thailand Berencana Memesan Gelombang Ketiga Kendaraan Amfibi Chaiseri AWAV 8x8

01 Oktober 2026

Jika Korps Marinir Thailand mengakuisisi seluruh kebutuhan kendaraan amfibinya dengan AWAV 8x8, maka akan ada total 36 kendaraan, berarti masih ada 15 kendaraan yang perlu diakuisisi, yang mungkin akan diperoleh secara bertahap hingga jumlah yang dibutuhkan tercapai (photos: RTMC)

Angkatan Laut Kerajaan Thailand (RTN) berencana mengadakan gelombang ketiga yang terdiri dari tujuh unit Kendaraan Amfibi Beroda Lapis Baja (AWAV) Chaiseri 8×8, sehingga total pesanan kendaraan oleh angkatan tersebut menjadi 21 unit.

Dalam rencana pengadaan yang dipublikasikan pada 24 September, RTN menyatakan bahwa pesanan baru ini bernilai THB504 juta (USD15 juta).

Langkah ini menyusul dua pesanan sebelumnya yang masing-masing mencakup tujuh unit AWAV. Kontrak awal senilai THB448 juta diberikan pada Agustus 2023, dan kendaraan-kendaraan tersebut diserahkan kepada Korps Marinir Kerajaan Thailand (RTMC) pada September 2024.

Pengadaan kedua, yang juga mencakup tujuh kendaraan, dimulai pada Februari 2026 dengan anggaran THB504 juta. Menurut informasi yang diperoleh Janes, total kebutuhan pengadaan ini mencapai 36 kendaraan.

Unit-unit AWAV yang telah diserahkan sejauh ini ditempatkan di Batalyon Kendaraan Amfibi Serbu RTMC di Sattahip. Batalyon tersebut juga mengoperasikan kendaraan amfibi serbu AAV7A1 buatan AS dan kendaraan tempur infanteri amfibi BTR-3E1 asal Ukraina.

Chaiseri memperkenalkan AWAV dalam pameran Defense & Security di Bangkok pada tahun 2023 setelah mengembangkan kendaraan tersebut melalui kerja sama dengan RTMC. AWAV merupakan kendaraan militer 8×8 pertama buatan Chaiseri.

Menurut Chaiseri, AWAV memiliki panjang 9,2 m, lebar 3,1 m, dan tinggi 3 m, dengan berat kotor sekitar 25,7 ton. Didukung oleh mesin bertenaga 711 hp, kendaraan ini memiliki kecepatan maksimum 105 km/jam di darat dan 10 km/jam di air, serta jarak tempuh sejauh 600 km.

Kendaraan ini mampu mengangkut 11 personel pasukan selain tiga orang awak yang terdiri dari pengemudi, komandan, dan penembak. Konfigurasi dasarnya memberikan perlindungan balistik STANAG 4569 Level 3 serta perlindungan terhadap ranjau Level 3a/3b.

(Jane's)

Steel Cutting for Fifth and Sixth Invincible-class Submarines

01 Oktober 2026

Steel cutting ceremony of fifth and sixth Invinsible-class submarines of the Republic of Singapore Navy (photos: RSN, TKMS)

Earlier today, our Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat officiated the Steel-Cutting ceremony of our fifth and sixth Invincible-Class submarines at the TKMS Wismar Shipyard in Germany. The event was attended by representatives from the RSN, DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency and senior German defence and military representatives. (RSN)

The first steel cutting of a submarine in Wismar was a major milestone for the site. The traditional ceremony took place in the presence of the TKMS Management Board, the Wismar site management, and many guests of honor. At the same time, this marks another important step in the long-standing partnership with the Southeast Asian customer. This represents the beginning of the next phase for the transformation of the shipyard.

With Wismar, TKMS is creating the conditions to reliably process the high order backlog and deliver projects on time. More than 500 colleagues at the site are currently behind this progress. With their expertise and commitment, they are making a decisive contribution to turning the vision of a modern hybrid shipyard into reality.

(TKMS)

The 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR) Ready for Ex Wallaby 2026

30 September 2026

Terrex 8x8 deployed at XWB26 (photos: Singapore Army)

Ex Wallaby 26 is calling, and the Stingrays of 5 SIR are readying up. Infantry soldiers and Terrex crews are putting their skills to the test through progressive and realistic training, sharpening their ability to manoeuvre and operate as a cohesive force.

Soldiers also took to the skies to hone their drone-flying proficiency, strengthening their ability to employ unmanned systems in support of operations.

With the tempo picking up, 5 SIR continues to sharpen its barbs and build readiness for Exercise Wallaby. Silent, Deadly, Swift!

Military exercise Wallaby 2026 (XWB26) will be conducted in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from 01 Sep to 03 Nov 2026.

(The Singapore Army)