In an unexpected revelation during the 117th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Adung Phan-iam disclosed groundbreaking information about the engines destined for Thailand’s forthcoming Chinese submarine acquisition. Contrary to prior assumptions, the engine offered by China for the Yuan-class 226T submarine is, in fact, a licensed variant of the German MTU396 engine, known as CHD620. Despite initial setbacks where Germany declined to provide the MTU 396 powerplant directly as part of the submarine sale to Thailand, Admiral Adung unveiled that China had obtained licensing from Germany’s MTU to produce a modified version, termed the CHD620, intended for the Thai Navy’s submarine project. This revelation, pending China’s approval, comes after significant efforts by the navy to secure a viable engine alternative following Germany’s restrictions on supplying the specified MTU engine for Chinese military vessels.
Highlighting the long-standing efforts made by himself and his predecessor to advocate for this engine substitution, this change in engine specifications aligns with the terms of the submarine contract. The complex engine-related challenges had earlier prompted discussions about suspending the submarine project in favor of acquiring a Chinese frigate. However, with half of the submarine already under construction, the admiral indicated potential complications with this shift in policy. The forthcoming S26T submarine, a derivative of the PLAN’s Type 039B Yuan-class vessel, is anticipated to feature a displacement of about 2,600 tons, boasting impressive capabilities including a maximum speed of 18 knots and an underwater endurance lasting up to 20 days. Its armament includes provisions for up to 16 torpedoes and around 30 mines, marking a significant addition to Thailand’s naval capabilities once operational.
