Thailand advances frigate procurement programme

A model of Hanwha Ocean's Frigate 4000 on display at MADEX 2025. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Thailand's frigate procurement programme has cleared a key government approval stage and entered the statutory appeal period, setting the stage for the formal announcement of the winning bidder later in September 2026.

According to a statement by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) on 8 September, Thailand's Permanent Secretary for Defence approved the selection results on 7 September, following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's endorsement of the evaluation summary.

The RTN said it will formally announce the selection outcome and provide details of the winning proposal on 18 September, after the appeal period concludes.

The RTN did not identify the selected company in its statement.

However, a separate disclosure issued by South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean on 8 September confirmed that the company had been notified of its selection as the preferred bidder for Thailand's next-generation frigate programme.

Hanwha said the programme covers the construction of one frigate and the provision of integrated logistics support, with a value of KRW683.3 billion (USD509 million).

Thailand's frigate programme seeks to acquire a single new multi-mission surface combatant for the RTN.

Procurement documents indicate an approved budget of THB17 billion (USD520 million), covering the vessel, associated equipment, support services, and training.

RTN procurement documentation released earlier in the programme identified Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Hyundai Heavy Industries, and ST Engineering Marine as the sources used to establish the frigate programme's reference price.

The selection of a preferred bidder does not constitute a final contract award.

Hanwha Ocean said detailed negotiations covering technical specifications, programme scope, and contractual arrangements must be completed before a final agreement can be signed.