Navy withdraws from purchasing submarines Changed to a frigate instead

Navy "Suthin" reveals the Navy has withdrawn from purchasing submarines. Change to buying frigates instead. Emphasize that the Navy's submarine acquisition project is not cancelled, just delayed. Waiting for the country to be ready As for the cause, it hasn't changed. Because the money has already been paid Accept and listen to social trends in purchasing weapons and equipment. Confirm compliance with the law To avoid social conflict

Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense Give an interview to the media Regarding the Navy's submarine procurement project, everyone knows that the submarine procurement project has problems. The Ministry of Defence, the Navy and the government have all worked together to solve the problem. First, we want to get the original engine. According to the project contract from the time of the previous Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, it was not successful and therefore did not receive the engine as agreed.

At present, there are discussions about the project. However, the Navy is trying to find a solution. By the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy Before retirement has prepared a book on the subject A project to purchase a submarine to change the contract from using German engines to replace it with engines produced in China has been submitted to the Ministry of Defence. While the Ministry is studying and finding a solution in conjunction with and consulting with the Navy, the submarine procurement project is being reviewed again. To find a new way

After joint consideration Therefore, there was a conclusion to change from purchasing a submarine. Buy a frigate instead. According to the Navy's proposal By a joint decision between the government and the Ministry of Defence, the frigate can act as a substitute for diving. The ship has the ability to fight on land, air, water and submarines, which is worth it and has a price that is not much different from the study. Just higher than before, about 1,000 million baht, worth about 17,000 baht. If getting a frigate, the Navy must not lose the opportunity. to make the army strong It does not weaken the army from submarines. Including creating society's satisfaction with the army and government. The political and military administrators can answer problems without causing scandal to society.

As for the recent trip to China of Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister, Mr. Suthin said that it was for negotiations and discussions to find a solution with the Chinese government. Regarding the suspension of the submarine procurement project agreement to change to an agreement to purchase a frigate At this time, no conclusion has been reached due to many details. But the Chinese government understands the Thai government. The Chinese government also asks for sympathy. Because the problem didn't originate in China. Therefore, they sympathize with each other. The Chinese government is willing to find a solution and accept the Thai government's proposal to consider procuring the frigates. The money that was used to pay for the submarine from the Chinese government will be changed to the cost of the frigate instead. As for the additional 1,000 million baht, the money used for building a storage and maintenance building for submarines will be used instead.

As for the submarine procurement project, Mr. Suthin confirmed that the project will continue to exist There is no canceling or delaying the submarine procurement project. Just waiting for the country's readiness. by allowing the Navy's submarine fleet to consider studying first As for the reason for not changing the buyer's country Because the payment for the black water boat has already been made. The purchase of a submarine is a G to G agreement, which is different from a private contract. If it is a private contract, we can suspend the contract immediately. But in a G to G agreement, if the conditions of the agreement are violated, a new agreement can be negotiated. which is already specified in the agreement

As for purchasing equipment according to social trends, Mr. Suthin said that he partly accepts that one must look at social trends in purchasing equipment for every army. Including ministries, bureaus, and departments doing things that society considers not worth it. Not useful and lose benefits However, we do not take society's opinion as our main issue. If you have to accept a submarine with a Chinese engine Thailand and other countries They've never used it. which must be accepted as a matter of law that will cause difficulties for the government to comply with Who can guarantee that there will be no problem in filing a lawsuit in court? It's a political issue. and may lead to division in society.

Source: Thai News Agency