Thailand's T-994 patrol craft receive Sentinel 30 weapon stations

A file image of the Sentinel 30 naval remote weapon station from EM&E Group. The weapon has been spotted on Thailand's fifth T-994-class patrol vessel. (EM&E Group)

Thailand's fifth T-994-class coastal patrol craft has been equipped with the Sentinel 30 naval remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS).

A recently released Royal Thai Navy (RTN) video marking the conclusion of Exercise ‘CARAT Thailand' 2026 has provided visual confirmation that the weapon has been fitted to the vessel, which bears the pennant number 998.

While the vessel was not a participant in the US Navy-led bilateral exercise, it can be seen in the background of the footage while berthed at Sattahip Naval Base.

Given that the fourth and fifth T-994-class vessels were procured as a pair and covered under the same armament acquisition programme, it is likely that the sister vessel bearing pennant number 997 has also received its Sentinel 30 installation.

Janes has contacted the RTN for confirmation but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Spanish defence company EM&E Group announced in February 2025 that it had secured a contract to supply two Sentinel 30 naval RCWSs to the RTN.

According to the company, each system is integrated with a Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm chain gun and an electro-optical sighting system that provides fire-control and target-acquisition functions.

Each mount is fitted with two ammunition storage boxes providing a combined capacity of 200 rounds, and supports both conventional 30 mm ammunition and programmable airburst munitions.

The T-994 class forms part of the RTN's Coast Guard Squadron and is primarily employed for maritime security operations in Thailand's littoral waters.

These missions include maritime patrol, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling operations, and counter-piracy activities.