Spanish Navantia Presents Proposal to Thai Navy for Frigate Procurement with 100% Local Production
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia proposed building frigates entirely in Thailand through local shipyards with full technology transfer, partnering with domestic companies for the Thai Navy's frigate procurement project announced May 8 in Bangko
On May 8, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel, Navantia Spain—one of the companies bidding for the Thai Navy's frigate procurement project—announced its partnership plan to construct 100% of the frigate locally in Thailand.
José Ignacio Navas Rubio, Asia Regional Director for Commerce and Business Development at Navantia, stated that following the Thai Navy's request to develop a comprehensive frigate construction plan with necessary technology transfer, Navantia has prepared a low-risk proposal for building frigates in Thailand through modular assembly by local shipyards. The company plans to collaborate with domestic shipyards and local enterprises to conduct 100% of the construction work in Thailand, maximizing local business participation. Navantia will serve as the designer and technical authority, providing necessary technology transfer (ToT) for management, production, integration, and testing.
Suradej Tandpaiboon, President of the Thai Shipbuilding and Repair Association, expressed support for Navantia's plan to construct the entire frigate locally in Thailand. He committed to comprehensive assistance including engineering design adjustments, production engineering, construction, quality control, and other necessary development tasks. The association believes the technology transfer, supply chain development, and construction experience from this frigate project will greatly benefit Thailand's shipbuilding industry for future naval and advanced technology vessel construction.
RAdm. Surapong Amnuayruksadej, Chairman of Golden Supply Company, added that Golden Supply and Navantia have worked efficiently together, having already upgraded three naval vessels (HTMS Chiang, HTMS Luang Phattani, and HTMS Luang Nakhon Ratchasima). As Navantia's local partner, they will coordinate to ensure the project's domestic completion. Their joint venture approach ensures that Thailand will develop the capability to construct entire frigates locally using Thai labor, building workforce experience, skills enhancement, and income for Thai workers. With this approach, the Thai Navy can procure all necessary frigates domestically, while Thailand's industrial supply chain gains significant revenue opportunities.
