Navantia will support the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in its project to enhance the capability of the Chinese-built landing platform dock (LPD) HTMS Chang (792).
Navantia press release
The contract includes the provision and integration of the combat management system (CMS), surveillance system, fire control system (FCS), weapon system, gyros, and other related technologies. Navantia will equip the HTMS Chang with some of its most cutting-edge naval systems, including the CATIZ CMS and DORNA FCS, ensuring the RTN benefits from the most advanced capabilities available.
Navantia has a longstanding relationship with the RTN, having previously supplied the HTMS Chakri Naruebet (911), the flagship of the RTN fleet. This new contract not only strengthens the ties between Navantia and the RTN but also boosts local skills and industry through collaboration with the Mahidol Dockyard. This partnership paves the way for future projects and further cooperation.
This contract underscores Navantia’s excellence in naval defense systems, modernization projects, and high-value-added services. It reaffirms Navantia’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions and supporting the strategic needs of its partners.
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Naval News comment:
The Royal Thai Navy commissioned Type 071E landing platform dock (LPD), HTMS Chang (792), on April 2023. For the record, Thailand signed a contract with China for the procurement of a Type 071E landing platform dock (LPD) on September 9, 2019. The amphibious vessel is based on the Type 071. HTMS Chang was launched in December 2021, and completed the sea trials in December 2022.
Type 071 is 210 meters long and 28 meters wide. She has a displacement of 25.000 tonnes and has a maximum speed of 25 knots. The ship is fitted with two large hangars and a flight deck, where two Z-8J helicopters can be operated simultaneously. The ship is fitted with one 76 mm gun and four 30 mm close-in weapon systems.
According to the press release of the Royal Thai Navy, the new LPD is capable to deploy:
- 8 Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) or 11 Wheeled Armored Vehicles (MBTs) on Vehicle Deck 1
- 8 Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) or 9 Wheeled Armored Vehicles (MBTs) on Vehicle Deck 2
- 6 Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM), or 9 Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP), or 57 amphibious vehicles (AAVs), or 2 air-cushioned vehicles (LCAC) on Floating docks
- Can land up to 600 troops
