Thailand Next-Generation Frigate (OCEAN-40F) Selection

The Royal Thai Navy posted a public notice on September 8, 2026 selecting Hanwha Ocean's OCEAN-40F export frigate for its next-generation frigate program, a THB 16.73 billion (~$508 million, KRW 683 billion) package covering one 4,000-ton frigate, systems and equipment, spares, tools, documentation, support services, and trials. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged the evaluation summary on September 4 and the Defence Ministry approved the outcome on September 7; a formal Navy briefing is scheduled for September 18 once the statutory appeal period closes, after which detailed contract negotiations follow. The OCEAN-40F is an enlarged derivative of the 3,700-ton HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej that Hanwha Ocean (then DSME) delivered in 2018, fitted with a 16-cell VLS for MBDA VL MICA NG, Exocet MM40 Block 3c anti-ship missiles, a 76mm gun, two DS-30 Mk2 30mm stations, two SIMBAD RC launchers, Naval Group SETIS combat management, and a TRS-4D radar. Hanwha Ocean beat HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Navantia, ST Engineering, ASFAT, and TAIS. Thailand is seeking eight frigates in total, and follow-on orders could lift the program to roughly KRW 4 trillion. It is Hanwha Ocean's first surface-combatant export win since 2023.