The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has outlined plans to acquire four new frigates to strengthen its fleet, with preparations underway for the procurement of the first two vessels in 2026, followed by the remaining two in 2027.
Several international shipbuilders are competing for the contract, including France’s Naval Group, Turkey’s TAIS Shipyards, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, and Spain’s Navantia. While details of their proposals have yet to be disclosed, Naval Group is expected to offer designs such as the 111-metre Gowind-class, the 142-metre FREMM, or the company’s latest 122-metre FDI frigates, with displacements ranging from 3,100 to 6,000 tonnes. TAIS Shipyards is known for its BORA series, which can be configured as frigates measuring 105, 115, or 140 metres in length, with displacements between 2,500 and 6,500 tonnes.
Hanwha Ocean, which previously delivered the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej to the RTN in 2019, is also a strong contender. A Thai parliamentary defence committee recently acknowledged the company’s expertise, highlighting its advanced production processes and commitment to technology transfer. Meanwhile, Spain’s state-owned Navantia has expressed interest in the programme, with the Spanish ambassador to Thailand emphasising the company’s financial stability and capability to build and maintain vessels for the RTN.
The RTN has proposed a budget for the first two frigates in the 2026 fiscal year, subject to approval from the government and Parliament. The navy currently operates seven frigates, six of which were acquired from China between the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its newest frigate, HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, was commissioned in 2019. The planned acquisitions form part of a broader effort to modernise the fleet and enhance maritime security.
The procurement aligns with Thailand’s objective of reinforcing its maritime sovereignty and addressing regional security concerns. The selection process is expected to consider factors such as technological capabilities, cost-effectiveness, delivery timelines, and opportunities for local industry collaboration.
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