Wang Nanta Utthayan, 21 Sept. – Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy prepares to produce Chinese engines for the Defense Ministry. Within next week Confident that it can replace German engines. Add an 8-year warranty option. Open the timeline for installation time of 3 years.
Admiral Cherngchai Chomchoengphaet, CommanderThe navy officials spoke about the decision. that will use Chinese CHD 620 engines to be put in Thai submarines Has the progress been communicated to the Ministry of Defense that the Navy will examine China's proposal? To change the engine German generators are powered by Chinese ones. which during the past year Have checked the information presented by China. Including sending officials related to check Data and engine And an offer has been made to guarantee the said engine. Recently, China has already offered it to the Thai Navy. and propose considerations for amending intergovernmental agreements with the government. In order to extend the time to build a submarine further. If the agreement is amended Currently, the Submarine Project Executive Committee The matter was raised at the Navy. and is under consideration by the relevant administrative department Once the consideration is complete, the Navy will present to the government what China's proposed approach to engine replacement is. From German engine to Chinese engine which the navy has
Send officials to watch the production of the said engine. Including certification of the engine from the Chinese Navy. It's finished. and all preparations for amending the agreement have been submitted to the Navy for consideration.
“Overall, the Navy It is believed that the information received included inspections of Chinese engines. that is the submarine's electrical generator Can be used to replace German engines without compromising on safety efficiency of use and warranty issues which China has announced additional guarantees from the original according to the agreement It is a guarantee for the parts of the watercraft after delivery for a period of 2 years. In negotiations, the Chinese authorities will consider providing support in guaranteeing the said engine for a period of 8 years along with spare parts. With officials coming to take care of the engine in Thailand. Including maintenance in a period of 8 years. Why 8 years? Because it is the period of time to upgrade the submarine over time. It is information that the Navy will summarize and present. Minister of Defense,” Admiral Choengchai said.
For the necessity of having a submarine Admiral Cherngchai said that the Navy still confirms that it follows the Navy's strategy. global environment and surrounding countries The Navy also needs submarines to maintain the balance of maritime security in the region. Therefore it is still necessary. The decision will be made whether to proceed with the project or not. It is a matter of the Minister of Defense. Must be considered and presented for consideration by the Cabinet. and the next government
As for the case where the Prime Minister has an idea to negotiate with Germany to request the use of a German engine Admiral Choengchai said that in fact the Navy had negotiated with the German authorities. through the military attache since knowing the problem which the German Military Attache and the German Ambassador to Thailand was notified of this information that Germany could not sell submarine engines in accordance with export ban rules. In the event that it can be used as a weapon of war for the Chinese authorities. and the fleet received information from the Chinese Navy that Even now, Germany does not export German engines to be installed in Chinese-built submarines. Therefore, in summary, China must produce engines for its own use now and in the future. China is constantly developing submarines and building submarines. Therefore, in the future, China will have to use its own engines to install on submarines. All information will be there. in consideration to present to all Defense Ministers
For the Navy's position is ready and willing to use Chinese submarine engines. Admiral Cheungchai said that it has been verified that Chinese engines have the characteristics. and capacity comparable to German engines Especially the issue of safety and operational data. can be used as substitutes
When asked again that he would confirm with the Cabinet, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense. Is it possible to send the matter up? Admiral Cherngchai said that he confirmed it as information for the minister to consider. which according to the agreement If there is a correction The agreement will require nearly three years to build additional submarines because the engines must be in production first. Then install it on a water boat that has already been built to a certain extent.
Have you personally talked with Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Minister of Defense? Admiral Cherngchai said that this matter has already been learned. When he came to give a policy statement at the Ministry of Defense As for the government's attitude? Whether to cancel or amend the contract or not? There has been no discussion on this matter yet. We have to wait for both ministers to receive the information and then consider it again. The part will send information. When can the Minister of Defense The administration is currently considering I will try to rush it. and presented to the Ministry of Defense within the next week and will try to keep up with it during the time he is still in office.
As for the last mission of the Navy Commander that he wants to accomplish, it is Let the first submarine move forward. Admiral Choengchai said that he came to act as commander of the navy. In verifying the information that the Chinese authorities proposed to change the engine from German to Chinese. Can it be done? Is it acceptable?
“Which has been proven. and checked the information and has done everything In considering that Can change the engine Thai submarine without spoiling strategic value and safety And the Chinese Navy guarantees that the engine Can be installed on Thai submarines. Of the 8 submarines that Pakistan has built with China, there is currently progress in engine production. to be installed in Pakistani submarines already,” Admiral Choengchai said
While the attitude of the Minister of Defense who seems to want a German submarine Admiral Cherngchai said that this must be considered after the government considers whether to move forward with China's submarine project. or will change to another project which requires starting to consider the details again
“But starting a new project The problem is budget. Because of the procurement of water boats It is a package type of procurement. Requires a relatively high budget Don't forget that when setting up the submarine project 6 years ago, we set up a project of 2 submarines with a project value of 36,000 million baht as standard water craft. Today the price is likely to be higher than in the past. And if it is the procurement of general submarines It will be necessary to procure at least 2 ships, which should cost more than 36,000 million baht. Setting a budget of that size It is feared that the budget for strengthening the Navy may not be enough. If you have to set a budget that high,” Admiral Choengchai said.
As for the government's idea of using a reciprocal trade policy, I think it's up to the government to negotiate on this matter. The Navy just presents its needs and proposes guidelines for considering the budget for the government to consider. - Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency