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Türkiye and Thailand Strengthen Naval Cooperation with the MILGEM Frigate Proposal.
On February 6, 2025, Türkiye’s ASFAT, a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Defense, presented its frigates and corvettes to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) at the Department of Naval Operations, located at the navy’s headquarters, as reported by Defense Studies. This initiative, coordinated with Thailand’s United Defense Technology, aimed to provide an overview of the capabilities and features of the MILGEM warship series, including the Istanbul-class frigate and the ADA-class corvette, developed under Türkiye’s national shipbuilding program.
This meeting took place as the Royal Thai Navy moves forward with plans to modernize its fleet by acquiring four new frigates (Picture source: MILGEM)
Initially designed for the Turkish Navy, MILGEM warships have also been exported to several countries. The Pakistani Navy operates four of them under the Babur-class designation, with local construction facilitated through a technology transfer agreement. Ukraine has acquired two under the Hetman Ivan Mazepa-class designation, while the Royal Malaysian Navy has incorporated three as part of the LMS Batch 2 project. These international agreements highlight the growing interest in the MILGEM program, with Türkiye now seeking to expand its presence in Southeast Asia through a potential collaboration with Thailand.
This meeting took place as the Royal Thai Navy moves forward with plans to modernize its fleet by acquiring four new frigates, with an initial focus on constructing the first two domestically under a technology transfer framework. The project is expected to seek government and parliamentary approval for funding in the 2026 fiscal year. ASFAT’s engagement marks Türkiye’s entry into a competitive selection process for this acquisition.
Several international defense firms have already expressed interest. South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean is pursuing a second contract for an HTMS-class frigate. Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), in collaboration with Thailand’s Marsun, has proposed the MEKO A-100 design. The UK’s Babcock International has put forward the Arrowhead 140 frigate, while the Netherlands’ Damen is offering the SIGMA-class design, with both companies looking for local partners. The Royal Thai Navy aims to finalize the specifications for the new frigates between June and July 2025, a key milestone in the selection process.
The strategic importance of this procurement was underscored by Vice Admiral Thadawut Thatpitakkul, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy and Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Frigate Procurement Project, during a lecture at the Naval War College. He outlined three key aspects of the acquisition: enhanced combat capabilities, particularly with the integration of supersonic weapons; the development of the domestic naval and defense industry through technology transfers; and long-term operational sustainability with national systems for combat management and tactical data link integration.
The Royal Thai Navy requires vessels capable of operating continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also considering cost efficiency. Destroyers, at approximately 40 billion baht ($1.19 billion) each, are significantly more expensive than frigates, which cost around 20 billion baht ($594 million) per unit, making frigate procurement a more feasible option within budget constraints. The navy’s plan includes deploying three ships in the Gulf of Thailand and two in the Andaman Sea, alongside the existing HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej. This approach aligns with broader objectives to maintain a capable and modern fleet.
As competition among international shipbuilders intensifies, Türkiye, through ASFAT and United Defense Technology, is positioning itself as a potential partner for Thailand’s naval modernization. The final decision by the Royal Thai Navy and the government will be a determining factor in shaping the future of the fleet and strengthening the country’s maritime defense capabilities.