China to give second-hand submarines to Thailand
This is a Song-class submarine of China’s navy. Beijing is donating either two Ming- or Song-class boats to Thailand for training purposes. (SteKrueBe, Wikimedia)
China will give two submarines to Thailand so it can train more effectively as it awaits the delivery of its first new boat.
China is offering military assistance to Thailand by giving two second-hand submarines to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for training, since its S26T submarine on order is unlikely to be completed on time.
China will supply a pair of either Type 035B Ming-class or Type 039 Song-class boats, with both models still in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
Currently, the RTN is preparing facilities to support submarines. The availability of these two boats in the near future will allow them to train and learn to operate submarines while waiting for S26T submarines.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?]()
Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
-
![Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV]()
Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV
Singapore is building space for uncrewed systems and future technologies into its new Sentinel-class OPVs, reflecting a wider move towards adaptable vessels capable of maintaining persistent maritime presence.
-
![From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next]()
From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next
Saildrone’s new Copenhagen base is one sign of a larger shift, as navies globally turn to uncrewed vessels for surveillance and mine clearance.
-
![Israeli Navy looks to expand as war reshapes future force requirements]()
Israeli Navy looks to expand as war reshapes future force requirements
Israel’s navy is preparing for a larger and more technically diverse role, but its ambitions could be impacted by supply chain restrictions, accelerating demand for domestic naval production as well as autonomous maritime capabilities.
-
![Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage]()
Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage
As AI dominates defence conversations, industry increasingly points to quantum sensing as the technology set to change submarine and uncrewed underwater vehicle operations.
