South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering launched a 3,650-ton frigate for the Royal Thai Navy on January 23.
The launching ceremony took place at the company’s shipyard on Geoje Island and was attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Thailand’s ambassador of to the Republic of Korea and the CEO of DSME, among other dignitaries.
The new frigate is 122.5 meters long, 14,4 meters wide and is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots.
DSME said the frigate, which is based on the South Korean KDX-1 destroyer, would now undergo sea trials and tests before it is handed over in 2018.
Thailand ordered the vessel from DSME in August 2013 under a contract worth US$410 million. DSME was also asked to develop a combat management system that would be compatible for installation on existing Thai Navy frigates HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin.