Türkiye offers MILGEM warships to Royal Thai Navy
An aerial view shows the TCG Kinaliada Corvette, which completed its voyage to Japan as part of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan and the 134th anniversary of the sailing of the Ertugrul Frigate, returning to Izmir, Türkiye, on August 21, 2024 (AA Photo)
ASFAT, Türkiye’s state-owned defense contractor, reportedly presented the MILGEM warship project to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) on Feb. 6, introducing its I-Class frigates and Ada class corvettes as part of its international offering.
The presentation took place at the Naval Operations Department headquarters in Bangkok, with United Defense Technology acting as ASFAT’s local partner.
The MILGEM platform, Türkiye’s national warship initiative, is already in service with the Turkish navy and has been exported to several countries.
ASFAT presents MILGEM project to Royal Thai Navy
ASFAT’s proposal includes:
- Istanbul-class (I-class) frigates
- Ada class corvettes
These warships, developed under the MILGEM program, have been exported to:
- Pakistan (four corvettes via ASFAT)
- Ukraine (two corvettes via STM)
- Malaysia (three ships under LMS Batch 2 via STM)
The vessels are equipped with advanced combat systems and are designed for multi-role operations.
Thailand evaluates frigate options from global shipbuilders
Thailand’s upcoming frigate procurement program has drawn interest from international defense companies, including:
- tkMS (Germany) with the MEKO A-100 frigate in partnership with Thai company Marsun
- Babcock International (United Kingdom) with the Arrowhead 140 frigate
- Damen (Netherlands) with the SIGMA-class frigate
South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean is also in contention, aiming to secure the second ship of the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigates.
The Royal Thai Navy is expected to finalize its technical requirements for the new frigate in June–July 2025.
The plan calls for four new frigates, with the first two likely to be built in Thailand under a transfer-of-technology model aimed at strengthening local shipbuilding capabilities.
Turkish defense companies frequently offer technology transfer to potential customers, giving them a significant advantage—one reason why Türkiye could have a chance to win the Royal Thai Navy bid.
Strategic importance of frigate procurement for Thailand
Vice Admiral Thadawut Thatphithakkul, deputy chief of naval staff and chairman of the New Frigate Procurement Subcommittee, emphasized the strategic importance of the new frigates.
Addressing students at the Naval War College, he described the upcoming ships as potential “game changers” in three areas:
- Combat capability: Supersonic weapons systems onboard
- Defense industry development: Local construction to support Thailand’s maritime industry
- Sustainability: Integration with national combat management system (CMS), tactical data link (DTL), and joint operations with army and air forces
The Royal Thai Navy seeks platforms capable of 24/7 operations. Due to the high cost of destroyers—estimated at $1.18 billion per ship—the more affordable frigates at approximately $593 million per ship are considered more likely to receive government and parliamentary approval.
