**OVERVIEW:** The Type S26T is a diesel-electric attack submarine acquired by the Royal Thai Navy.

**DETAILS:**
The Type S26T represents Thailand's re-entry into the submarine operating community. Based on the Chinese Yuan-class submarine (Type 039A), the S26T was specifically tailored for Thai operational requirements and represents a modern conventional submarine design. Development was initiated to bolster Thailand’s maritime security capabilities, providing a potent platform for both coastal defense and power projection within the region. The S26T’s design incorporates a teardrop hull form, optimized for submerged operations and reduced hydrodynamic drag. It is presumed that the construction leverages advancements in noise reduction technology derived from its Chinese origins, incorporating anechoic tiles and a raft-mounted machinery arrangement to minimize its acoustic signature. The acquisition also signifies growing defense cooperation between Thailand and China.

The primary roles of the Type S26T are Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), with a secondary capability for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The integrated sensor suite provides a comprehensive picture of the underwater battlespace. The Type 921-A 'Golf Ball' sonar is a low-frequency active and passive sonar, crucial for long-range detection and tracking of surface vessels and submarines. Supplementing this is the SQG-2B active sonar system, which enhances close-range detection capabilities, particularly in shallow water environments where the 'Golf Ball' sonar’s performance may be degraded. The SQC-1 sonar suite provides mine avoidance and detection capabilities utilizing its towed array and hull mounted components. For surface engagements and situational awareness, the submarine utilizes the Snoop Tray 2 (MRK-50E Kaskad) radar, enabling the detection and tracking of surface contacts even in adverse weather conditions. The optical and low-light television periscopes offer visual and electronic means of target identification and navigation.

The Type S26T’s operational effectiveness is further enhanced by its armament, centered on the 533mm torpedo tubes. These tubes can launch a variety of torpedoes, enabling the submarine to engage surface ships and submarines at extended ranges. The inclusion of a signal ejector provides the capability to deploy countermeasures and communication devices, vital for maintaining situational awareness and evading hostile threats. While specific details of the electronic warfare suite remain unconfirmed, the presence of a generic acoustic intercept system strongly suggests an ability to monitor and analyze enemy sonar emissions, contributing to its situational awareness and self-defense capabilities.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 77.2 m || Beam: 8.5 m || Draft: 5.5 m || Disp: 3000 t

**SENSORS:** China Type 921-A Golf Ball || China SQG-2B [DUUX 5] || China SQC-1 [DSUV 2H + DUUA 2D] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50E Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

**ARMAMENT:** 533mm TT || Signal Ejector