Hanwha Ocean is advancing its bid for the Royal Thai Navy’s frigate acquisition program, aiming to deliver new vessels by 2026 following the commissioning of HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2018. The South Korean shipbuilder recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Cohort to provide advanced naval defense systems tailored for the Thai Navy, reinforcing a collaborative approach that includes local shipyards for technology transfer and personnel training. This strategic initiative, backed by a budget of approximately $540 million per ship, is part of Thailand’s broader objective to enhance maritime security and operational readiness in a geopolitically sensitive region, ultimately expanding its frigate fleet to eight vessels by 2037. Hanwha’s role underscores its position as a key defense partner in Southeast Asia.