Negotiations on Thai Navy's S26T submarine project reportedly on track.

According to information published by Isranews on May 21, 2024, Thai Defense Minister Sutin Klangsang announced that the negotiations regarding the submarine project are nearing completion and are expected to be finalized within the next one to two months. The details remain confidential.
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Keel laying ceremony of the S26T submarine. (Picture source: Sina)

Minister Sutin stated that the discussions between Thai and Chinese representatives are still ongoing, with some minor points yet to be resolved. Both sides have agreed to keep the negotiations under wraps to protect national interests.

S26T submarine deal

The S26T submarine deal between Thailand and China has faced significant challenges. Originally agreed upon in 2017, Thailand's purchase of the Chinese-made S26T Yuan-class submarine encountered a major hurdle when Germany refused to supply the necessary MTU 396 diesel engines due to an EU arms embargo on China. This led to a prolonged delay in the submarine's construction, originally set for delivery in 2024​.

The deal underscores the strategic importance both countries place on their defense relationship. For Thailand, acquiring the submarine aligns with its goal to bolster its maritime defense capabilities, particularly in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, where it aims to protect significant economic interests and maintain regional parity with neighboring countries that also operate submarines.

Technical data

The S26T has a surfaced displacement of about 2,600 tons and a submerged displacement of approximately 3,600 tons. Its dimensions include a length of 77.7 meters, a beam of 8.4 meters, and a draught of 5.5 meters.

Initially, the submarine was to be powered by MTU 16V396 SE84 diesel generators combined with a Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. However, due to an EU embargo on German engines to China, it now uses Chinese CHD620 diesel engines. This propulsion setup enables the submarine to achieve a top submerged speed of 23 knots and a surface speed of 16 knots, with a total power output of 6,092 horsepower.

The S26T can travel up to 8,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 16 knots and has a submerged endurance of up to 20 days. Its operational diving depth is 300 meters. The submarine’s armament includes six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of deploying various torpedoes, including the Yingji-82 (C-802) anti-ship missiles, and it can carry up to 30 mines. The sensor suite features the Type 359 radar, H/SQG-4 sonar system, and H/SQC-207 sonar, alongside advanced electronic warfare and communication systems. It is designed for a crew of 38 members.