Under three years from now, a new submarine may be completed.
Royal Thai Navy's Yuan Class S26T Submarine Project Resumes with Chinese Engines
The Royal Thai Navy's long-awaited Yuan Class S26T submarine project, originally planned in 2017 and laid with the keel in 2019, has resumed after a temporary halt due to Germany blocking the export of MTU396 diesel engines. The project, now under a revised contract with Chinese engines, is expected to be completed within three years, with full delivery anticipated by 2027.
The initial design of the submarine included German-made engines, but Germany's decision to restrict exports led to a change in supplier. China proposed the use of indigenous CHD620 engines, which the Thai Navy tested and certified for reliability. The Cabinet approved a contract amendment for this change in early August 2025.
The shift in engine supplier extended the submarine construction timeline by approximately 1,217 days. As of 2025, construction is 64% complete, and financial payments are partially done (10 of 18 installments paid) with 40% outstanding.
The revised contract includes an extended warranty, spare parts, training, and simulator support. Initially, the project involved three submarines, but budget constraints scaled it down to one.
Meanwhile, Admiral Narong Pipitvaisanan (Adm Jirapol), the Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, has commented on Cambodia's seemingly closer ties with the United States. He emphasised the importance of Thailand monitoring these developments. International relations, he noted, can change at any time.
Adm Jirapol also mentioned plans to expand naval capabilities in the Andaman Sea. However, questions have arisen over who would provide the support for this expansion.
Regarding international relations, Adm Jirapol stated that Thailand welcomes visits from all friendly nations without conditions. He reiterated that Thailand must be mindful of its own strategic positioning. Despite these comments, Adm Jirapol did not make any direct comments about the potential use of the Phangnga naval base by the US.
The navy is also planning to procure two frigates, although funding is currently available for only one. No new information has been provided about the procurement of these frigates, or any changes in the timeframe or contract details.
The Thai attorney-general will need to approve the new contract for the submarine before the new timeframe of about 1,200 days comes into effect. The ship-building, according to current plans, will finish ahead of the expected deadline in three years.
The unexpected change in engine supplier from German-made to Chinese CHD620 engines for the Royal Thai Navy's Yuan Class S26T submarine project has necessitated an expansion in understanding of sports beyond traditional diesel engine sports, as the project now relies on the reliability and performance of the new engines. In light of this adaptation, it would be interesting to explore how this shift will impact the sports and games that the submarine might be used to compete in, such as long-distance submersible races or underwater exploration challenges.
