Thailand cleared to buy Harpoon missiles for its DW3000 frigate

The US State Department has approved the Thailand government’s request for the acquisition of RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles.

The requested contract for the possible foreign military sale has an estimated cost of $24.9 million and has been approved by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on August 9.

Thailand has requested the possible sale of up to five RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles and one (1) RTM-84L Harpoon Block II exercise missile.

The country is acquiring the missiles for its DW3000-class frigate which is being built by South Korea’s DSME under a US$410 million contract from August 2013.

The frigate was launched in South Korea in January 2017 and will be delivered to Thailand in 2018 after completing trials.

DSCA said the acquisition of Harpoon missiles would increase the Royal Thai Navy’s maritime partnership potential adding that Thailand has purchased Harpoon missiles previously and would have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

In addition to missiles, the contract includes containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

Boeing Company would be the prime contractor on the deal.