18 hours ago, portisaacozzy said:

and a good endorsement !

I dont think Thailand really cares about endorsements. They bought some subs just so they can say they have them. Using them in a real situation will most likely never happen. Also, they risked a lot buying from the Chinese. It will be most certain the Chinese would install some ind of tracking and kill switches in their electronics. Or perhaps they will do the same they did with their electric cars and put a way to transmit information via internet to China. 

On 8/6/2025 at 4:50 PM, BarraMarra said:

They just can't start chopping into the hull of a Submarine it will have to be placed where no water to enter it. All Submarines have there main Machinary installed within the Pressure Hull. 

The pressure hull can be cut (they actually call it a hull cut).  The procedure is done while in drydock (on blocks), so water is not an issue.   These hull cuts are done during major overhauls and mostly on the top where equipment can be removed/replaced via crane.  Have also seen on the side but not so common.  It's a big deal when the removed hull is replaced with lots of x-raying to ensure hull integrity.  

On 8/6/2025 at 6:42 AM, AsiaCheese said:

And you know that how? In the words of GWB, the US often misunderestimates what China can and does build. Just saying.

 

And the assumption that Chinese build quality is state of the art is also false. More often than not, chinese projects suffer from serious defect and poor quality components.

19 hours ago, kimothai said:

The pressure hull can be cut (they actually call it a hull cut).  The procedure is done while in drydock (on blocks), so water is not an issue.   These hull cuts are done during major overhauls and mostly on the top where equipment can be removed/replaced via crane.  Have also seen on the side but not so common.  It's a big deal when the removed hull is replaced with lots of x-raying to ensure hull integrity.  

I've  never heard of a Submarine having its pressure hull cut into in 50 years constucting them. Even if you decide to cut into it you will have to move pipework , Cables , insulation , stiffners ,etc.

On 8/6/2025 at 3:59 AM, webfact said:

This decision follows Germany's refusal to export the MTU engines, adhering to NATO and EU restrictions on sensitive technology exports to China.

 

A little late for that.

 

The Chinese engine is an identical copy of the German engine, produced under license from the German manufacturer.

 

Only difference is the label.......and lower cost.

22 hours ago, BarraMarra said:

I've  never heard of a Submarine having its pressure hull cut into in 50 years constucting them. Even if you decide to cut into it you will have to move pipework , Cables , insulation , stiffners ,etc.

I worked in a Naval Shipyard for almost 30 years (before xfer to different dept.) which included new construction and overhaul.  Hull cuts were a big deal that involves all that you mentioned.  If you worked new construction for 50 years, then you must be aware that the insulation (pipe/hull) on the older subs contained asbestos, all of which had to be removed very carefully after someone realized that it wasn't good for people to inhale the fibers.  These hull cuts were nothing to be taken lightly and were only done for major overhauls that lasted 3-5 years.  I don't know if cutting hulls makes any sense in today's labor market because the expense back in the 60's/70's was immense.  I think it's probably more prudent to decommission a sub than to do what we did back then.