CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Once tempted to ditch its acquisition of a
Chinese-built S26T diesel-electric submarine,
Thailand has decided the project will now proceed.
The cause of the indecision was China’s failure to obtain German diesel engines for the submarine, and its proposal to substitute
Chinese variants instead.
However, the Thai Cabinet approved a contract amendment on Aug. 5, which permits this project to recommence after it had remained dormant since 2021.
Bangkok ordered this solitary S26T submarine on May 5, 2017, although it had originally wanted three submarines until fiscal constraints scuppered this plan.
Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group subsequently laid the boat’s keel in Wuhan on Sept. 5, 2019.
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