Bangkok Dock, Rostrum partner on USVs for Thai military

A model of the Rostrum Aegidis USV displayed at the DronTech Asia 2026 exhibition in Bangkok. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)

Thailand's state-owned naval shipbuilder Bangkok Dock has partnered with Italian company Rostrum Drones to promote and build unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the Thai military and export markets.

A Bangkok Dock official told Janes at the DronTech Asia 2026 exhibition in Bangkok on 12 November that the partnership covers three Rostrum-designed USVs: the Murena, Invictum, and Aegidis.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has expressed interest in acquiring the designs, the official said. He added that Bangkok Dock and Rostrum are working to customise the platforms to meet the navy's growing surveillance and patrol requirements in the Gulf of Thailand.

The initial focus would be on importing USVs from Rostrum, with local production possible depending on order volume. “The partnership is envisaged as a phased approach, initially focusing on market exploration and subsequently expanding towards the development of local industrial capabilities,” the official said.

In the first phase, Bangkok Dock will help Rostrum assess demand for its USVs in Thailand's defence and maritime security sectors, engage potential users, and identify operational requirements and applications.

In the second phase, the partners will explore local infrastructure for assembly, production, system integration, maintenance, and after-sales support. The plan would combine Rostrum's autonomous-systems expertise with Bangkok Dock's shipbuilding capabilities, potentially supporting sales elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

“This approach would contribute to local industrial development, potential technology transfer, and long-term operational support for customers in Thailand,” the official said.

He added that the companies had discussed a long-term partnership over the past quarter. Its scope, including Bangkok Dock's role in Thailand and potential industrial co-operation, is still being defined through technical and commercial discussions.