Thai Navy's Submarine Plans Stalled Pending Feasibility Study

[webfact]

File photo for reference only. Source: Wikipedia

 

In a development that has left the Thai naval brass treading water, the proposed acquisition of a Chinese-built submarine remains in limbo as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that a "viability study" is still underway.

 

This long-anticipated project, valued at 12.4 billion Thai Baht, concerns the procurement of a Yuan-class S26T submarine. Originally slated to feature a high-performance German-made MTU396 engine, the plan now includes a Chinese-made CHD620 engine due to unavailability issues.

 

The Defence Minister's announcement came in response to an inquiry from the navy’s top commander, Adm. Jiarpon Wongwit, who had been seeking clarity from Phumtham on the current status of the submarine project.

 

This conversation highlights ongoing uncertainty, especially since amendments have been proposed to the original purchase contract to accommodate the engine switch.

 

Phumtham, a new appointee to the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough "viability study" to ensure the decision aligns with Thailand's best interests.

 

The minister's careful stance reflects the still nascent stage of his tenure, despite taking over from the former defence minister Sutin Khlangsang, who had been involved in earlier discussions around this and similar defence procurements.

 

In the backdrop of this deliberation, the navy has been on edge. The current stalling points to deeper strategic considerations, particularly given that the S26T model in question mimics the Soviet-era Kilo-class submarines.

The budding relationship between Thailand and its Chinese counterparts in military technology purchases adds an intriguing angle to the narrative.

 

In a move that perhaps signalled a shift, predecessor Sutin Khlangsang had suggested the navy might pivot to acquiring a frigate instead of the problematic submarine.

 

This proposal was met with swift rejection by naval leaders, indicating a firm commitment within the navy to see the submarine project come to fruition, despite its hurdles.

 

The continuing ambiguity, compounded by the defence minister’s measured approach, leaves the submariners without a clear course.

 

The delay in finalising the decision has strategic implications, as this would mark Thailand’s first such purchase in over six decades.

 

As the study progresses and the high-stakes discussions unfold, the maritime watchers and defence analysts remain keen observers.

 

This situation underscores the nuanced intersection between military needs, international relations, and domestic governance, capturing attention both within Thailand and among its global partners.

 

The outcome of this deliberation could redefine the trajectory of Thailand's naval capabilities for years to come, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2024-11-28

 

 

[ChrisY1]

And 5 years down the road to submarines....and a feasibility study to be carried out! What!

[Artisi]

2 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

And 5 years down the road to submarines....and a feasibility study to be carried out! What!

Well, you didn't think anyone would waste their precious time worrying about any hair-brained study, would you, especially considering it's all about what's in it for me and my mates 😉😉😉

[Gsxrnz]

Nobody in the entire English-speaking world uses the word "nascent", or knows what it means. 

[herfiehandbag]

4 minutes ago, Gsxrnz said:

Nobody in the entire English-speaking world uses the word "nascent", or knows what it means. 

It means "just coming into existence".

 

I use it from time to time, along with other long words like wheelbarrow and marmalade.

 

In fact I am considering purchasing a wheelbarrow, to use in my nascent project to grow oranges in my garden, to make marmalade!

Edited 2 hours ago by herfiehandbag

[Mr Meeseeks]

Tell me you don't know what you are doing without telling me you don't know what you are doing.

 

Meanwhile, in the UK, the 6th nuclear-powered Astute Class hunter-killer sub has just been launched. Probably the most advanced sub of its type in the World.

 

[Dcheech]

Hope they get things ironed out. I always thought it could be good fun for the family. Go Navy!

Edited 2 hours ago by Dcheech

[lordgrinz]

I expect it be moored next to the useless aircraft carrier soon, or maybe lying on the bottom the ocean like the ill fated HTMS Sukhothai.

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

.and a feasibility study to be carried out!

 

Backhanders/extramoney/  Kick out the Chinese I'd say, and accept the loss.

Edited 1 hour ago by watchcat

[sqwakvfr]

Now I understand.  They are waiting for this combined submarine/fighter interceptor to be manufactured:

(For those in my age group you might recognize this photo as SkyDiver from the classic show from the 1970's UFO).

Edited 1 hour ago by sqwakvfr

[edwinchester]

<deleted> me this is the farce that just keeps giving. Nearly eight years of running and now it's announced that a 'viability study' hasn't even been completed yet. Worthless clowns every one of them.

[mancub]

16 minutes ago, edwinchester said:

<deleted> me this is the farce that just keeps giving. Nearly eight years of running and now it's announced that a 'viability study' hasn't even been completed yet. Worthless clowns every one of them.

Worthless and they know it. yet also very wealthy......which is why they pursue and continue to further their uselessness !

[OneMoreFarang]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

a "viability study"

That kind of makes sense before spending huge amounts of money.

 

I hope that study and its participants will be concerned about Thailand's security and not so much about possible commissions... 

[Grumpy one]

Green Peace has started a company producing submarines