Thai Navy's Submarine Agreement with China Nearing Completion

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: GVA

 

Thailand's Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced last night that the Navy's protracted plan to acquire a Chinese-built S26T submarine is expected to be finalised soon.

 

This long-delayed purchase from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International involves substituting the initially planned German engine with a Chinese-made one.

 

Acknowledging mixed reactions, Phumtham emphasised considering the entire Thai-Chinese diplomatic relationship alongside the submarine deal.

 

He reassured that despite challenges, the agreement, spearheaded by previous Navy leadership, would likely reach completion during his term at Thailand's defence ministry. Notably, the current purchase contract is set to lapse next month, adding urgency to the negotiations.

 

Complications arose when Navy admirals previously advocated switching from the German MTU396 engine to the Chinese-made CHD620 engine, despite the latter's lack of deployment in any global naval fleets, including China’s.

 

This choice was influenced by Germany's export restrictions on weaponry to China, restraining direct procurement.

 

Phumtham's confident assurance follows years of uncertainties clouding the submarine acquisition process, exacerbated by geopolitical factors and technological concerns.

 

The mention of steadfast moves toward conclusion suggests a strategic balancing act between defence modernisation and international relations.

 

Apart from the intergovernmental aspects, considerations around technological reliability remain pertinent, with the Chinese engine's unprecedented use in submarines being a notable concern.

 

Yet, the resolution of these issues appears critical to maintaining and potentially enhancing Thailand's naval capabilities in a changing geopolitical landscape, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Ultimately, Phumtham's remarks underline a commitment to both advancing national defence initiatives and nuanced diplomatic engagement with China, reflecting on broader regional security dynamics.

 

 

-- 2024-10-26

 

 

 

[dinsdale]

Spot the sub.

I know subs are meant to go under water but not like this. Chinese tech at it's best.

 

[redwood1]

Lets see this whole sub thing started about 2017 I think? Now its 2024 going on 2025.....So thats about 7-8 years.....

 

I bet there are plenty of good years ahead for the whole dumb sub story....The gift that keeps on giving.....

[wombat]

That's good...it can be parked up in the new sub base buit in Cambodia 

[mfd101]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

the Chinese engine's unprecedented use in submarines being a notable concern.

If they had the remotest clue about anything relevant, the Thai government & the admirals wouldn't buy anything in this line that wasn't already working soundly in CHINESE submarines ...

[lordgrinz]

14 minutes ago, wombat said:

That's good...it can be parked up in the new sub base buit in Cambodia 

 

I'm betting within a couple years it will be docked permanently next to its aircraft carrier cousin, presuming it doesn't sink first.

[klauskunkel]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Phumtham emphasised considering the entire Thai-Chinese diplomatic relationship alongside the submarine deal.

I see, it's  a diplomatic bribe by Thailand to China... So, what else did you purchase then? Some intangible Chinese Good Will, sweet + sour?

[Srikcir]

The engine Chinese will install is not found anywhere else in the Chinese Navy. Wonder why? 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced last night that the Navy's protracted plan to acquire a Chinese-built S26T submarine is expected to be finalised soon.

Biggest acquisition joke of the decade.

[OneZero]

Quote: "Acknowledging mixed reactions, Phumtham emphasised considering the entire Thai-Chinese diplomatic relationship alongside the submarine deal."

 

OMG, that is an obvious reason not to do it.  Future diplomatic blackmail.

 

There are tremendously few other possible ways for the Thai gov't to spend limited resources that would have less identifiable ultimate benefit for the average Thai citizen.  

 

[Sydebolle]

Fantastic news, so we shall be eagerly awaiting who will be the winner in the Mekong race between Thailand and PR China then? 

[BritScot]

If and it's a big IF, this ever arrives and works or sinks China now has a GPS tracker for US combined operations. This sub will be full of hidden traders as were found in the UK ministers vehicles.  Just saying!

[Mr Meeseeks]

When will this sub sink and/or break down?

 

Within 6-months of deployment, I reckon. 

[Captor]

Better buy submarines from Sweden.

[watchcat]

On 10/25/2024 at 9:15 PM, webfact said:

S26T submarine is expected to be finalised soon.

 

No panic, Thailand is not at war with any country

[Grumpy one]

Chinese sub for Thailand

[candide]

21 hours ago, BritScot said:

If and it's a big IF, this ever arrives and works or sinks China now has a GPS tracker for US combined operations. This sub will be full of hidden traders as were found in the UK ministers vehicles.  Just saying!

Better than that (for China). It will be equipped with Chinese softwares which will be able to record anything.