Hanwha Ocean Prepares Bid for New Thai Frigate Requirement

Hanwha Ocean Proposes Advanced Multi-Purpose Frigate to Royal Thai Navy

Hanwha Ocean is poised to submit a proposal aimed at fulfilling the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) requirement for an additional multi-role frigate. At the recent Defense & Security 2025 exhibit in Bangkok, the South Korean defense contractor showcased a model of its potential offering, along with details regarding the vessel’s intended armament configuration.

Enhanced Design and Capabilities

Hyunrok Park, who manages Hanwha Ocean’s global naval marketing team, noted that the latest frigate design, referred to as Ocean-40F, represents a significant advancement over the Bhumibol Adulyadej-class vessels previously delivered to the RTN in 2018.

• Increased Size and Firepower: Park emphasized that the Ocean-40F is not only larger but also possesses greater lethality compared to its predecessor. The design evolution was influenced directly by RTN’s feedback regarding the initial class, highlighting a clear requirement for a more capable and spacious ship for its second frigate acquisition program.

The specifications for the Ocean-40F indicate a length of 124 meters and a displacement of approximately 4,000 tonnes. For comparison, the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej measures 123 meters and displaces around 3,750 tonnes, while the newer blueprint anticipates a crew complement exceeding 145 personnel, surpassing the baseline crew of 136 on the earlier frigate.

Advanced Firepower

The Ocean-40F’s armament capabilities are notably augmented, incorporating an array of sophisticated weaponry from MBDA, including:

• Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapons: Two Exocet MM40 Block 3C systems.
• Vertical Launch System (VLS): A 16-cell configuration designed for VL-MICA surface-to-air missiles.
• Air Defense Systems: Equipped with SIMBAD (Système Intégré de MISTRAL Bitube d’Auto-Défense) to bolster defensive operations.

This comprehensive set of enhancements aims to equip the Royal Thai Navy with a more robust maritime asset capable of addressing modern naval threats. As regional security dynamics evolve, the introduction of advanced vessels such as the Ocean-40F could significantly enhance operational readiness and deterrent capabilities within the RTN fleet.

The proposal underscores Hanwha Ocean’s commitment to addressing the specific needs of its clients and adapting to emerging defense challenges in the maritime domain.