The process of selecting a contractor to supply a new high-tech frigate is proceeding as planned, with defence offsets included in the deal being a major consideration in deciding the winner, according to the Royal Thai Navy spokeman.
RAdm Parach Rattanachaiyaphan said the new ship's procurement remains within the project timeline.
The navy must carefully consider the capabilities of the offered frigates and associated defence offsets included in the tenders filed by contesting shipbuilders, he said.
Defence offsets are benefits other than the military equipment promised by a supplier, according to Transparency International.
The Royal Thai Fleet expects 20% of the equipment installed in the new ship to be manufactured in Thailand, and the navy to receive technology transfers and opportunities for development of highly skilled personnel from the shipbuilder, among other demands, according to the navy website.
The Royal Thai Fleet is the navy's main combat force.
RAdm Parach said the navy regards benefits from the defence offset package as a key component for consideration in addition to the combat capabilities of the ship.
The former Pheu Thai Party-led government approved the new frigate last year and it received backing from the public and politicians on both sides of the House.
The new frigate will be a new generation ship with advanced technology. It will be designated the core navy ship of the future. The navy has four frigates in service, and needs four more under its defence blueprint.
The navy used an off-shore patrol vessel to support land operations by marines in Trat in December, during the border clashes with Cambodia.
Six companies are vying to win the navy contract for the new ship. They are:
- Hyundai Heavy Industries, South Korea
- Singapore Technologies Engineering, Singapore
- Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane Isletmeleri, Turkey
- TAIS Gemi Insa ve Teknoloji, Turkey
- Hanwha Ocean, South Korea
- Navantia, Spain
The RTN hopes the new frigate will be operative by 2031. The navy wants to order another frigate, but the plan has been stalled by budget cuts.
