Thailand yesterday welcomed a model new Chinese-built amphibious assault ship to its naval fleet. The HTMS Chang, a Type 071E landing platform dock, arrived at its homeport in southern Thailand every week after its official handover at the Chinese shipyard.
Unexplored , which left Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s facility in Shanghai on Tuesday, April 18, travelled via the Taiwan Strait before arriving at Chuk Samet Pier by Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri province. A ceremony was held to officially hand over the HTMS Chang to the Royal Thai Navy, with the service’s chief, Adm. Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, in attendance, as reported by several news companies.
The Type 071E is an export variant of the Type 071, which is presently in service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy. The landing platform dock has a stern properly that can carry as much as 4 air-cushioned touchdown craft for amphibious assaults, while hull-mounted davits can carry, launch, and recover standard landing craft. It also has a vehicle deck with area for 60 armoured fighting vehicles and might accommodate 800 troops.
However, the acquisition of the HTMS Chang has sparked controversy as Thailand is a US treaty ally, yet it continues to operate several forms of Chinese-made platforms, including tanks, frigates, and offshore patrol vessels. The country has additionally signed a contract to buy Chinese-made S26T diesel-electric submarines, which has been mired in controversy primarily over the engines that might be used to energy the three boats.
Despite this controversy, China’s naval drive operates eight Type 071 ships break up between its East and South Sea fleets, with the latter liable for maritime operations within the disputed South China Sea.
Years ago, it was reported that the ship would value US$200.7 million, with building lasting three years. Before that, Thai media reports had stated the Chinese design would price US$130 million..