Naresuan-class (Type 25T)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | Guided-missile frigate |
| Manufacturer | China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Shanghai |
| Year commissioned | 1994 |
| Units |
FFG-421 HTMS Naresuan FFG-422 HTMS Taksin |
Operators
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 2985 tons |
| Range | 4000 km at 18 knots |
| Crew | 150 members |
| Width | 13.7 m (44.9 ft) |
| Length | 120.5 m (395.3 ft) |
| Air Park |
|
| Propulsion | CODOG: 2 × GE LM2500 gas turbines, 2 × MTU 20V1163 diesels |
| Armament | |
| Maximum speed | 32 knots |
Description
The Naresuan-class frigate is a class of two guided-missile frigates operated by the Royal Thai Navy. Designed cooperatively by the Royal Thai Navy and China, the class is an enlarged, modified variant of the Chinese Type 053 frigate, adapted to incorporate Western weapon systems. Both vessels in the class, HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin, were constructed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation in Shanghai between 1991 and 1995. The ships cost two billion baht each, compared to an estimated eight billion baht for Western-built alternatives.
Upon delivery, the Royal Thai Navy identified quality control issues with the vessels' construction. The damage control and fire suppression systems were basic, presenting a risk of rapid flooding if the hulls were breached. The Royal Thai Navy subsequently spent time and effort to rectify these issues.
A systems upgrade contract was awarded to Saab in June 2011. This modernization program integrated the 9LV MK4 combat management system, Sea Giraffe AMB radar, CEROS 200 fire control radar, EOS 500 electro-optics system, and data link systems to facilitate communication with Royal Thai Air Force Erieye surveillance aircraft. In 2013, the vessels were fitted with Mk 41 vertical launch systems to enable the deployment of RIM-162 ESSM surface-to-air missiles.
HTMS Naresuan was launched in July 1993 and entered service on 15 December 1994. HTMS Taksin was launched in 1994 and entered service on 28 September 1995. Both ships remain active.