Historical Context of Thailand’s Submarine Acquisition
During World War II, Thailand was allied with Japan and operated four Matchanu-class submarines, acquired from the Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi in the late 1930s. These vessels were eventually decommissioned due to political instability and the dismantling of Japanese arms manufacturing, which hindered the supply of spare parts for maintenance.
Thailand’s Pursuit of Modern Submarine Capabilities
In the 1990s, aiming to enhance its naval capabilities amid territorial disputes with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, Thailand sought to procure submarines. Initial discussions were held with German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Swedish Kockums, but financial constraints prevented any agreements.
Revival of the S-26T Submarine Deal with China
In 2015, Thailand expressed its intention to order three S-26T submarines (the export variant of the Yuan 039A) from China for approximately €900 million. The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSOC) began construction of the first unit in September 2019, with a delivery scheduled for 2024. However, the decision to exercise the option for the additional two submarines faced significant public backlash, leading the Thai government to reconsider.
Challenges in Submarine Development
As of now, the Royal Thai Navy has not yet received its S-26T submarine. The delay stems from its desire to equip the vessel with MTU 396 diesel engines, designed in Germany. However, Berlin denied the export license, citing the European arms embargo imposed on China following the Tiananmen Square massacre in June 1989.
Resolution and Future Prospects
CSOC proposed installing Chinese-made CGD620 engines instead. Initially, Bangkok expressed concerns regarding the quality, reliability, and longevity of this alternative compared to the MTU 396. Recently, CSOC demonstrated that the CGD620 engines are comparable in quality, leading the Royal Thai Navy to acknowledge their reliability. Consequently, Thailand has decided to revive the submarine program, which will receive a $25 million aid package from Beijing as compensation.
Construction Timeline and Strategic Implications
With the green light now given, construction of the S-26T submarine, which is two-thirds complete, will resume. It is expected to be delivered to the Royal Thai Navy by 2028. Despite being classified as a major non-NATO ally by the United States, Thailand maintains a close military relationship with China, as evidenced by its acquisition of Type 69-II tanks and Type 85 armored vehicles from the Chinese manufacturer Norinco.
Technical Specifications of the S-26T Submarine
The S-26T/Yuan 039A submarine displaces 3,600 tons and measures 77 meters in length. It is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes and anti-ship missiles CM-708UNB. This class has also been acquired by Pakistan, known as the Hangor class.