Tug of war between Korea and Spain on Thailand new High-end frigate.
After the Royal Thai Navy announced the closure of the submission of ship designs from companies in mid-April with budget around 500 million USD, only six companies had submitted designs:
- Hyundai : HDF-3600
- Hanhwa : Ocean 40f
- ST Engineering : Formidable-class
- Navantia : Alfa 3000
- ASFAT : AS-3600
- TAIS : Istanbul-class
However, in early May, about a week ago, Navantia proposed a new deal that put the other five companies in a daze. Navantia offered a cooperation agreement that would give Thailand 100% rights to build Alfa-3000 domestically from the first vessel, granting Thailand the authority to modify the ship design and handle delivery entirely within Thailand.
Subsequently, Hyundai responded to Navantia's offer by changing the ship design for Thailand from the HDF-3600 to the HDF-4000TH within the same budget. They also proposed installing four fixed-AESA radar systems in Thailand, with approximately 40% of the first ship built domestically, 57% for the second, and 100% for the third and subseuent ships. Furthermore, they agreed to guarantee some of the work from Korea to Thai shipyards.
Currently, only two companies have revealed their trump card, while four others remain silent.
