Six Foreign Firms Compete for Thailand’s New Frigate Contract
Six Foreign Firms Compete for Thailand’s New Frigate Contract
BANGKOK, April 23, 2026 — Thailand’s Royal Thai Navy has begun reviewing six international bids for a new frigate procurement program, with officials saying the evaluation process will take just over one month under enhanced transparency measures.
Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan said 11 companies were initially invited to participate, but only six submitted final proposals before the deadline.
The bidders are Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean of South Korea, Singapore Technologies Engineering of Singapore, Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane Isletmeleri A.S. and TAIS Gemi Insa ve Teknoloji A.S. of Turkey, and Spain’s Navantia.
Three companies formally declined to participate, while two failed to submit proposals in time, he said.
The navy said the selection process is being conducted under an Integrity Pact system, which includes independent observers to monitor procurement and help ensure transparency, fairness and accountability.
Officials said bids would be assessed on technical performance, bidder qualifications, price competitiveness and industrial offset packages designed to benefit Thailand’s economy.
The frigate purchase forms part of Bangkok’s broader effort to modernize its naval fleet while developing domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
The navy said particular weight would be given to offers that include technology transfer, workforce training, research cooperation, local investment and integration of Thai industry into global supply chains.
Authorities have also consulted with the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association, domestic shipyards and the National Science and Technology Development Agency to prepare local industry participation.
The navy described its long-term strategy as a “three-step ladder,” beginning with learning from foreign partners, followed by partial domestic production, and ultimately full local shipbuilding capability.
Thailand has in recent years sought to reduce reliance on imported defense systems by expanding domestic production and maintenance capacity, while balancing military modernization with budget pressures.
Officials said negotiations with shortlisted bidders may continue after the evaluation stage, with the final goal of securing both an advanced warship and long-term industrial gains for the country.
