The Navy has successfully built an underwater vehicle with a length of 11 meters, a diameter of 1.8 meters, and a displacement of approximately 27 tons. Its operational capabilities included a maximum depth of 50 meters, an underwater endurance of 3 to 5 hours, a speed of 5 knots, and a crew capacity of 3 people.
The vehicle is adapted not only to train personnel for underwater operations, but also to various missions such as tactical operations, intelligence gathering, underwater exploration, and environmental protection. Additionally, this research will contribute to the development of domestic shipbuilding knowledge, deepen understanding of the technology, and benefit both the Navy and the nation.
At the time, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recognized the capabilities of naval personnel and proposed that the navy research and build small submarines. Captain Sataya Chandrapurapha, Deputy Commandant of the Naval Academy, has been appointed project leader and will work with a 25-member naval architecture and design team of overseas graduates in naval architecture and other disciplines to develop the underwater vehicle and have been trained in the UK. Became part of the team. We asked a consultant from the UK to make a proposal.
The research and development project for the mini-submarine began in October 2017 and took four years to design, two years to build, and one year to train personnel. The initial budget was estimated to be over 1 billion baht. With continued support, the project could be completed within 2024.
Unofficially named the Chalawan-class, it will support naval operations and special operations, enhance tactical capabilities, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, and support anti-submarine training and special operations teams.
However, it is unfortunate that the Navy’s continued budget constraints delayed the project after only two years of operation with a budget of 70 million baht.
The Security Council recently asked the Security Council to reconsider Chinese submarines amid rumors of a “secret deal” with members of the Thai Contribution Party in hopes of boosting research and development of mini-submarines. “Chalawan-class” submarines are mentioned again. Lead the project to success.
