Hanwha Ocean Selected as Preferred Bidder for Thailand’s Next-Generation Frigate Program

Thailand selected Hanwha Ocean as preferred bidder for its next-generation frigate program, putting the South Korean shipbuilder first in line for final negotiations. The planned vessel would add a modern surface combatant to the Royal Thai Navy and broaden Hanwha's naval export presence in Southeast Asia. Preferred-bidder status does not itself constitute a completed acquisition contract. Final price, configuration, weapons fit, construction arrangements and delivery milestones therefore remain subject to agreement between the company and Thai authorities after technical evaluation of competing international shipbuilder proposals.