New frigate a challenge for navy"There has been no order from the government or the Pheu Thai Party. — Sutin Klungsang, Defence MinisterThe government's decision to procure a Chinese-made frigate to replace a submarine the navy ordered in 2017 will pose a significant challenge for the navy, especially given that numerous items have been procured to support the submarine plan. A testing facility with storage for torpedoes and minesThe facility was completed in July with a budget of 129.3 million baht. Submarine communications, command and control systemA budget of 300 million baht was set aside for systems procurement, and 10.5 million baht was disbursed. It comprises radio comms equipment (70 million baht), to be completed next September, and strategic command and control equipment and system (230 million baht), procurement of which is expected to begin next year.
