Thai Defense Minister Delays Submarine Project Approval Over Engine Concerns.

According to information published by Pattaya Mail on December 31, 2024, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has postponed the approval of the country’s ambitious submarine acquisition project due to unresolved issues surrounding engine specifications.
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Thailand’s Defense Ministry delays submarine project approval, citing engine disputes and safety concerns. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Originally planned for completion by December 2024, the delay stems from the complexity of potentially switching to Chinese-made engines, a decision that has sparked safety concerns and necessitated thorough analysis.

The original submarine design was based on German engine specifications, but NATO sanctions on China have restricted direct procurement of these components. Discussions are ongoing with Germany’s defense attaché to explore a possible exemption, which would allow Thailand to buy German engines directly and install them domestically. Such a move aims to maintain the project’s original standards while adhering to international restrictions.

In the interim, Thailand is exploring alternatives. The government has sought feedback from Pakistan, which operates eight submarines of the same model equipped with Chinese-made engines. Reports on their performance, expected within three to four months, will play a critical role in determining the feasibility of adopting Chinese engines.

The submarine project has already incurred significant costs, with 80% of infrastructure and training completed. Investments include 8 billion baht spent on submarine docks and personnel development. With the vessel priced at 13 billion baht, Phumtham acknowledged that abandoning the project would lead to substantial financial losses and potentially impact national defense capabilities.

The Thai government has set a six-month timeline to resolve the engine dispute and finalize the project. With discussions continuing at multiple levels, Phumtham has called for a detailed analysis to ensure the final decision aligns with Thailand’s strategic and operational needs.

S26T submarine

The S26T features a streamlined hull measuring approximately 77.7 meters in length and 8.4 meters in beam, with a draught of 5.5 meters. It has a surfaced displacement of about 2,725 tonnes and a submerged displacement of around 3,600 tonnes.

The submarine is engineered for stealth and agility, capable of operating at depths up to 300 meters. Its propulsion system combines diesel-electric engines with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enabling a maximum submerged speed of 23 knots and a surface speed of 16 knots. This configuration allows the S26T to remain submerged for extended periods, with an endurance of up to 20 days underwater and a range of 8,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 16 knots.

Equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes located at the bow, the S26T can deploy a variety of munitions, including torpedoes, anti-ship missiles like the Yingji-82 (C-802), and up to 30 naval mines. Its sensor suite comprises the Type 359 radar and the H/SQG-4 sonar system, which includes the TSM2233 Eledone and TSM-2255 sonars, along with the H/SQC-207 sonar.

These systems provide comprehensive situational awareness and targeting capabilities. Additionally, the submarine is outfitted with the Type 921-A (SRW209) Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) suite and a Combat Control System (CCS) to enhance its defensive and offensive operations.