The Navy is progressing with the S26T submarine project by signing a military assistance agreement and accelerating project management to aim for on-time or early delivery.
On 17 Sep 2026, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesman, revealed that on 16 September 2026, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Thai Minister of Defense, and Admiral Dong Jwin, Minister of Defense of the People's Republic of China, jointly witnessed the signing ceremony of the military assistance agreement supporting the Navy's S26T submarine procurement project.
In this event, Rear Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, Assistant Commander of the Navy and chairman of the submarine procurement project management board, signed the agreement on behalf of the Thai Armed Forces Command at the Beijing International Convention Center (BICC) during the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, People's Republic of China.
This signing marks a significant milestone for the S26T submarine procurement project and a concrete success in military cooperation between the two countries' armed forces, who both prioritize and support the project's implementation. The aim is to equip the Royal Thai Navy with an efficient, operationally ready submarine that can be commissioned as planned, thereby enhancing long-term national defense capabilities and maritime interests protection.
Over the course of the project, the Navy has closely overseen, monitored, and driven its progress, emphasizing coordination between the two countries, resolving issues that might affect the schedule, and safeguarding the Navy's and nation's interests to ensure continuous progress and achievement within the designated timeline.
Following the signing, the Navy will closely follow up on operations with relevant agencies in the People's Republic of China, expediting project management across all areas including technical, construction, system testing, personnel training, and logistical preparations. The goal is to deliver the submarine on schedule or earlier if possible, fully complying with contract conditions, technical standards, and safety principles.
The Navy affirms it will manage the project prudently, transparently, and with verifiability, continuously monitoring progress to ensure the S26T submarine achieves maximum efficiency and readiness before commissioning. This capability will enhance national defense, sovereignty protection, and maritime interest security effectively. The project's success will also serve as a key testament to the friendship, trust, and tangible cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.
