The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is considering accepting Chinese-made engines for the S26T Yuan-class submarine to replace the German-made MTU396 diesel engine, which had been rejected for export to China by the German company.
RTN spokesperson Pokkrong Monthatphalin told the press today, August 10th, that the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. (CSOC) had previously offered its CHD620 diesel engine for the submarine.
The company held a talk with the Navy on Tuesday, August 9th, and gave details about the specifications of their modified engines for the S26T submarine. The RTN is currently in the assessment process of the engine details and the process is expected to be finalized on September 15th, the spokesperson stated.
According to the purchase contract, the CSOC grants permission to modify the submarine to meet the equal qualifications to the previously-contracted German engine.
“If the substitute cannot pass the test, the Navy could end the contract and seek compensation or refunds,” Vice Admiral Pokkrong added.