Local media The Bangkok Post reported that the S26T “has a submerged displacement of 2,600 tons and is equipped with an air-independent propulsion [AIP] system.” The S26T is reportedly to be based on the Type 039A SSK of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) also refered as Yuan class. It is a fairly recent design first commissioned in 2008 with a displacement of 3,600 tons and a length of 75 meters. It may feature an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system as an auxiliary system to a regular diesel-electric power. Admiral Jumpol Loompikanon, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said the submarine would allow the Navy to study tactics and how to protect Thailand from submarine threats.
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