Admiral Hu Zhongming, the Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), recently visited Thailand from August 1-3, 2024, as an official guest of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). During his visit, Admiral Hu engaged in high-level discussions with Thailand’s Defense Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng and Royal Thai Navy Commander Admiral Adung Phan-iam in Bangkok. On August 2, 2024, Admiral Hu toured the Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi Province, where he was briefed on the ongoing developments related to the S26T submarine project. The visit included an inspection of the Submarine Command Team Trainer, a crucial training asset acquired from Germany’s Rheinmetall in 2014, and an overview of the construction progress on the submarine dock and supporting facilities, a project undertaken by the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard with support from China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
Admiral Hu’s visit, however, is seen as more than a routine diplomatic gesture. With a distinguished career, including roles as commander of both conventional and nuclear submarines, Admiral Hu is the first submariner in 17 years to lead the PLAN. His expertise underscores the significance of his presence in Thailand, especially amidst the delayed progress of the S26T submarine project. Admiral Hu’s visit may reflect China’s strategic intentions to bolster its influence in Southeast Asia’s maritime domain, especially in light of Royal Thai Navy (RTN) historically close ties with the United States Navy, a key rival in regional security matters. The advanced capabilities of the S26T could potentially expose sensitive technologies to Western powers, a concern that has likely influenced the cautious pace of the project.
On 2 July 2015, the RTN formally selected China’s Yuan-class platform to meet a requirement for three submarines. The RTN’s procurement committee voted unanimously in favour of purchasing the submarine, which has been designated S26T (Thailand), a modified export version of the Yuan class. On 1 July 2016, the RTN submitted a funding plan for its 36 billion baht submarine procurement project to the cabinet for consideration with the expenditure to be spread over 11 years. The second and third submarines would be purchased during the remainder of the 11-year period. In May 2017, the Royal Thai Navy and Thai Government signed a contract for one S26T variant of the submarine in a $390 million deal. Orders for an additional two submarines are expected in the coming years. Steel cutting ceremony of the first S26T submarine was held on 4 September 2018 at Wuhan, China.
The S26T, a derivative of China’s Yuan-class submarine, is a critical component of Thailand’s naval modernization efforts. With a length of 77.7 meters, a beam of 8.6 meters, and a maximum operating depth of 300 meters, the S26T is designed for extended operations, boasting an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system that allows it to remain submerged for up to 20 days. Its mixed AIP and conventional diesel-electric propulsion system can extend this endurance to 65 days. The submarine is armed with six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching anti-ship cruise missiles, including the CM-708UNB, which has a range of 290 kilometers and is reportedly being supplied at no additional cost to Thailand. Despite the strategic significance of the S26T, concerns have arisen regarding the project’s progress. The CSSC, with strong backing from the Chinese government, has faced criticism over delays and the Thai government’s hesitation to finalize payments and extend the delivery timeline by an additional 1,217 days.
