Thailand Approves Funding For Purchase Of Submarines

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Thailand's ambition of adding submarines to its naval fleet looks set to be realised after its National Legislative Assembly (NLA) approved funding for the purchase. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, who is also Defence Minister, said the NLA had approved funding to buy the first of three China-made submarines which the Royal Thai Navy planned to acquire. "The Thai Navy requires submarines to maintain a military balance in the region because other neighbouring countries already have them. It will help protect our sovereignty as well as our abundant marine resources, especially in the Andaman Sea," he was quoted by the local media today. The first submarine is anticipated to cost 13.5 billion Baht (about US$382.98 million), with the Royal Thai Navy expected to acquire three S26T diesel-electric submarines from China for a total budget consideration of 36 billion Baht (US$1.02 billion) The S26T China-made diesel-electric submarines is an export version of Yuan Class submarine (Type 041). According to a Thai Navy spokesman, various types of equipment were being considered for installation in submarines, with the construction of the submarines expected to take six years. -- BERNAMA