Royal Thai Navy commissions second Krabi-class OPV

The Royal Thai Navy commissioned its second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel in a ceremony in Sattahip, Chonburi, on September 27.

HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (hull number 552) was commissioned less than a month after it was launched in early August by Thailand’s Bangkok Dock.

Built under a licensing agreement with UK defense contractor BAE Systems, HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan 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.