Navantia has been selected to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) landing platform dock (LPD) HTMS Chang (792).
The agreement entails the supply and integration of a suite of Navantia’s advanced naval systems.
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These include Catiz combat management system, surveillance system, Dorna fire control system, weapon system, gyros, and other associated technologies.
On 25 April 2023, the RTN officially commissioned the Type 071E LPD, HTMS Chang (792), at Chuk Samet Port within the Sattahip Naval Base.
The procurement of this LPD, a variant of the Type 071, from China was finalised through a contract signed on 9 September 2019.
The vessel was launched in December 2021 and concluded its sea trials by December 2022.
Navantia has previously partnered with RTN for the HTMS Chakri Naruebet (911), the RTN fleet’s flagship.
This new contract also promotes local expertise and industry by collaborating with the Mahidol Dockyard.
This development follows the selection of Escribano Mechanical and Engineering (EM&E) Group in February to provide the RTN with naval solutions for their Tor 997 and Tor 998 patrol boats.
EM&E will deliver two Sentinel 30 Naval Remote Controlled Weapon Stations equipped with the Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster chain gun and two OTEOS Electro Optics Systems to act as firing control systems.
According to a GlobalData report, Thailand’s defence budget is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%v from 2025 to 2029, reaching €5.9bn ($6.6bn) by the end of the forecast period.
The acquisition budget for 2024 stands at €1.2bn and is expected to rise to €1.7bn by 2029, with a CAGR of 8.6%.
Initiatives focused on upgrading capabilities and enhancing maritime security are expected to drive defence expenditures in Thailand’s defence sector.
