Defence Council Nod for Submarines

26 April 2011



Type 206A submarine (photo : Militaryphotos)



The Defence Council on Monday approved the navy's plan to buy six used Type U206A submarines from Germany for 7.7 billion baht.



Defence spokesman Col Thanathip Sawangsawng said navy chief Adm Kamthorn Poomhiran spent one hour and 40 minutes explaining the acquisition plan to the council, chaired by Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.



Council members were satisfied with the reasons given by the navy for the purchase - to protect the country's interests in the sea, to increase the Asean submarine force potential and to help keep military power in the region in balance.



If the acquisition plan is also approved by the cabinet, the submarines are expected to be put in commission in mid-2013.



Col Thanathip said a detailed plan will be presented to the Defence Council for next month. A special conference may also be held for the press.



The Defence Ministry will push for cabinet approval of the plan as soon as possible, he added.




(Bangkok Post)

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