From German to Chinese power
The original 2017 contract specified MTU396 diesel engines from Germany. However, in 2021, Germany imposed an export ban on the engines, bringing the project to a halt.
The solution: the submarines will now be fitted with Chinese CHD620 diesel engines. On Tuesday, Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and Liu Song, Vice President of China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), signed the new $337 million agreement in Beijing. Thailand’s cabinet had already approved the deal on August 5.
Delivery pushed to 2028
Switching to Chinese engines requires significant redesign, delaying construction by 1,217 days. The first S26T Yuan-class submarine is now scheduled for delivery at the end of 2028, several years later than originally planned. Experts are watching closely to see how the technology swap will affect the submarines’ performance.
The revised contract allows extensive design changes to integrate Chinese engine technology, a critical step in keeping the ambitious project on track.
Strategic boost for Thai Navy
The submarine programme is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to modernise its navy. Three planned vessels are expected to significantly enhance surveillance in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Despite criticism over high costs and technical challenges, the Navy insists the submarines are vital for national security. With the new contract signed, Thailand can now proceed with its long-awaited undersea fleet – but questions remain over the performance and reliability of the Chinese engines.