The Royal Thai Navy has placed its aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet, on "combat readiness" and suspended public visits due to escalating tensions along the border with Cambodia, the Public Relations Department under the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand announced on 17/11. The measure aims to ensure safety and protect strategic information.

Citing informed sources, The Nation newspaper reported that the Royal Thai Navy activated an enhanced security mode, tightening access control to its sole aircraft carrier. This measure, according to the source, aims to minimize espionage and intelligence gathering risks, while protecting classified information during a sensitive period.

Thai people visit the HTMS Chakri Naruebet at Sattahip base. *Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand*

The HTMS Chakri Naruebet serves as the flagship of the Royal Thai Navy, holding the distinction of being its first and only aircraft carrier. Built in Spain, the warship entered service in early 1997, based on the Principe de Asturias-class design.

Currently, it stands as the world's smallest active aircraft carrier. The HTMS Chakri Naruebet measures 182 m in length, has a displacement exceeding 11,400 tons, reaches a maximum speed of about 48 km/h, and boasts an operational range of over 18,500 km at a cruising speed of 22 km/h.

The ship was initially designed to operate six AV-8S Matador attack aircraft and 4-6 S-70B Seahawk helicopters, with an internal hangar capacity for up to 10 aircraft. However, after Thailand decommissioned its Matador fleet in 2006 without a replacement, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet transitioned to operating only helicopters, consequently being designated an "offshore patrol helicopter carrier."

Financial constraints mean the HTMS Chakri Naruebet operates only about one day each month, spending the remainder docked at Sattahip port, often serving as a tourist attraction. Despite this, the ship has been deployed for humanitarian relief missions following disasters.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet drills in the Gulf of Thailand in 2001. *Photo: Wikipedia*

Last week, Naval News reported the Royal Thai Navy launched a major renovation project for the HTMS Chakri Naruebet. This involves a contract with French group Thales to upgrade the ship's integrated platform management system (IPMS), which last received an upgrade about a decade ago.

The new project involves replacing the entire control architecture. This upgrade will enable synchronized management of engine, power, monitoring, and damage control systems via an integrated interface. Thales will supply the hardware and software, with its partner UCS managing deployment and support in Thailand.

The modernization process is anticipated to take 15 months. This marks the Royal Thai Navy's inaugural use of Thales' IPMS solution, even though more than 80% of its warships already employ radar and sensors provided by the French group.