South Korean shipbuilding major Hanwha Ocean has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Royal Thai Navy’s next-generation frigate program.
The selection allows Hanwha Ocean to enter detailed negotiations with the Royal Thai Navy on the technical specifications, project scope and other terms ahead of a final contract.
The Royal Thai Navy had proposed a budget of 16.73 billion baht (approximately $509 million) for the construction of one frigate and integrated logistics support.
Hanwha Ocean said the final contract terms will be determined based on the outcome of the negotiations. The company also said it will work to establish conditions that ensure stable execution of the project while maximizing its shipbuilding competitiveness and project efficiency.
The shipbuilder has prior experience working with the Royal Thai Navy, having delivered the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s first vessel in this class, in 2018. The ship can perform combat operations on the surface, underwater, and in the air. It was commissioned in January 2019.
Hanwha Ocean competed for the new frigate program against defense companies from Spain, Singapore and Türkiye.
The company credited support from South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Republic of Korea Navy, as well as continued defense cooperation between South Korea and Thailand, for contributing to its selection.
The company said the selection will strengthen the foundation for long-term maritime defense cooperation with Thailand and support its efforts to expand opportunities in the global surface-ship market, particularly in Southeast Asia.
