Chinese shipbuilder starts work on US$411 million submarine for Thai navy
Boat set for delivery in 2023 under deal that highlights closer military ties between Beijing and Bangkok
China’s leading shipbuilder has begun the construction of a submarine for the Thai navy under a 13.5 billion Thai baht (US$411 million) deal agreed last year that observers say provides clear evidence of Beijing’s growing role as an international arms supplier.
Senior officers from the Thai and Chinese militaries attended a steel-cutting ceremony at a shipyard in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, to mark the start of the project, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) said late on Tuesday.
The Royal Thai Navy signed a contract with CSIC for one S26T diesel-electric submarine – derived from the PLA Navy’s Type 039B, or Yuan-class – in May 2017 and the vessel is expected to be delivered by 2023.
Once completed, the boat will have a displacement of 2,600 tonnes, a top speed of 18 knots and be able to remain submerged for up to 20 days. It will also feature the latest acoustics and electronics technologies, and be able to carry 16 torpedoes and missiles, and up to 30 mines.
Thailand’s military government had planned to buy three submarines from Beijing, but after coming under strong opposition at home it reduced the number to one. Nevertheless, the deal has been reported as Bangkok’s largest ever defence purchase.