TSAMTO, April 29. The command of the Thai Navy recently concluded with the private Thai company Marsun Co. selected by the winner of the competition. Ltd (Marsun) contract for the supply of river patrol boats.
As reported by the resource Gbp.com.sg, as part of the agreement with a total value of 82.176 million baht (about $2.45 million). The company will build four boats based on its own projects M10 and M10 MK.2.
The command of the Thai Navy also signed a contract with Marsun in the amount of 30.602 million baht (about $ 912,484 thousand) for the construction of two LCVP class boats (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel). These boats will deliver up to 36 fully equipped military personnel or medium-sized vehicles from the ship to the coast.
The Thai Navy is in the process of replacing PBR Mk patrol boats.2 American-made, which have been in service for more than five decades. 39 units PBR Mk.2 were acquired by the Thai Navy between 1971 and 1979 . Most of the boats were deployed on the Mekong River to guard the border with Laos.
In addition to replacing obsolete boats, the purpose of acquiring new river patrol boats from Marsun is also to support and develop the capabilities of Thailand's national defense industry. It is expected that an additional order for the supply of boats may be placed in the near future.
The length of the boat developed by Marsun is M10 MK.2 is 11 m, width – 3 m, draft – 0.7 m. It is equipped with two diesel engines with a capacity of 542 hp, driving two water cannons, can reach a maximum speed of more than 40 knots. The fuel tank with a capacity of 840 liters provides a cruising range of about 250 km. The crew consists of six people (a helmsman and five gunners). A landing party of six people can be accommodated on board. The boat can be equipped with weapons, including 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns and 40 mm grenade launchers.
