BAE to support construction of second Thai patrol vessel

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- BAE Systems to assist Bangkok Dock in the construction of its second 90-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel for the Royal Thai Navy.

Under the contract, the company will provide engineering support and advice during the construction process. BAE Systems Naval Ships commercial director Nigel Stewart says the contract helps strengthen the relationship between the company and Thailand's navy.

"This contract to support delivery of a second Offshore Patrol Vessel to the Royal Thai Navy is a clear endorsement of our versatile Offshore Patrol Vessel design," Stewart said in a statement. "With three of these ships already in service in Brazil and a further three Offshore Patrol Vessels under construction for the UK Royal Navy, our design continues to attract significant interest internationally."

The Royal Thai Navy received its first 90-meter patrol vessel from Bangkok Dock in 2013. The vessel, called HTMS KRABI, is a variant of the baseline BAE Systems design, and has completed roughly 1,000 days at sea with the navy.

BAE Systems has a technology transfer agreement with Bangkok Dock, an industrial partner based the country. Under that agreement, BAE Systems provides the design for the vessel and additional engineering and technological support.

The vessel is equipped with an air surveillance radar to track low-flying aircraft and assist in anti-smuggling operations. The boat is also armed with a 30mm small caliber gun and port-mounted 25mm guns, allowing personnel to engage fast inshore attack craft.