Royal Thai Navy selects Hanwha Ocean's OCEAN-40F for $508 million frigate, opening path to follow-on orders worth up to 4 trillion won

The Royal Thai Navy announced on September 8, 2026 that it has selected Hanwha Ocean's 4,000-ton OCEAN-40F export frigate for its next-generation frigate program, a THB 16.73 billion (~$508 million, 683 billion won) package covering one ship, equipment, spares, documentation, support, and trials. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged the evaluation report on September 4 and the Defence Ministry gave final approval on September 7; the Navy will formally brief the selection on September 18 after the appeal period, then negotiate final contract terms. Hanwha Ocean prevailed over five rivals from four countries, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Navantia, ST Engineering, and Turkey's ASFAT and TAIS, leaning on its 2018 delivery of the 3,700-ton HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, of which the OCEAN-40F is an enlarged derivative. The design carries a 16-cell VLS for MBDA VL MICA NG, Exocet MM40 Block 3c anti-ship missiles, a 76mm gun, Naval Group's SETIS combat management system, and a TRS-4D radar. Thailand wants eight frigates but operates only four, and Korean reports put potential follow-on orders at up to 4 trillion won. The win is Hanwha Ocean's first surface-combatant export since 2023 and comes as it also competes with HD HHI for the Philippines' first submarine program, with proposal evaluation entering its final stage in September.