Royal Thai Navy launches second Krabi-class OPV

Thailand’s Bangkok Dock has launched the Royal Thai Navy’s second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel, the future HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (552).

The ship, which was built under a licensing agreement with UK’s BAE Systems, was launched on August 2.

It is based on the River-class OPVs currently being built for the Royal Navy by BAE Systems.

The lead ship in the class, HTMS Krabi, was delivered to the navy from Bangkok Dock in 2013.

The 90-meter vessels feature Thales combat and communication suites and will be capable of launching Harpoon missiles via four launchers.

In addition to the UK and Thailand, a version of the 90-meter OPVs is in service with the navy of Brazil and is known as the Amazonas-class.