Government approves modifications to agreement on a sub-level
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has made a significant shift in its submarine project, opting for Chinese-made diesel engines instead of the originally planned German units. This change, approved by the Thai cabinet, comes in response to export restrictions that stalled the procurement of German engines, causing a suspension of construction in 2021.
The Yuan Class S26T submarine project, a joint venture between the RTN and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., was 64% complete at the time of suspension. The revised agreement, now in place, aims to bolster the RTN's capabilities across all naval dimensions.
The approved changes include a switch from German-made MTU396 engines to Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engines. While concerns remain about the performance and certification of the Chinese CHD620 engines, as they have not yet been proven or certified by any world navies, the RTN remains confident in their employment.
The Chinese CHD620 diesel engine has passed rigorous quality testing and is said to exceed the performance and safety standards of the original German engine. In fact, these engines are currently in use in submarines operated by other countries. The switch to Chinese engines is expected to accelerate the completion of the submarine project, with an extension of the manufacturing timeline by 1,217 days.
The revised agreement also provides extended warranty, spare parts supply, training, and submarine control simulator support, all aiming to ensure operational readiness and legal transparency. However, questions about engine quality, operational risk, and strategic dependence on China for critical submarine technology persist.
Despite these concerns, the RTN is optimistic about the new engines' ability to defend Thai sovereignty and safeguard maritime interests. As of now, work on the project is 64% complete, with the remaining 40% of the contract, worth 5.5 billion baht, still pending.
Thai officials have been tight-lipped about the matter, with Mr. Phumtham, the RTN's spokesperson, declining to comment on the Royal Thai Air Force's proposed purchase of Gripen fighter jets, citing confidential information. He also declined to answer questions about potential future requests for additional armaments by the military.
The cabinet has been briefed on the matter of the RTN's submarine acquisition, but unresolved details are still being worked out. The switch to Chinese engines marks a significant step in the RTN's modernisation efforts, but the long-term implications for Thailand's strategic relationships and military capabilities remain to be seen.
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The switch to Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engines for the Yuan Class S26T submarine project is anticipated to expedite the project's completion, with an extension of the manufacturing timeline by 1,217 days. This strategic move reinforces the Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) drive to modernize its capabilities across all naval dimensions.
The Chinese CHD620 diesel engine has surpassed the performance and safety standards of the original German engine, as these engines are currently in use in submarines operated by various countries. Despite concerns regarding engine quality, operational risk, and strategic dependence on China for critical submarine technology, the RTN remains optimistic about the new engines' ability to defend Thai sovereignty and safeguard maritime interests.
