Thales Delivers Enhanced Identification Capabilities to Support Royal Thai Navy Patrol Vessel and LPD Modernisation

Thales Delivers Enhanced Identification Capabilities to Support Royal Thai Navy Patrol Vessel and LPD Modernisation

(IN BRIEF) Thales is set to deliver three advanced IFF systems for the Royal Thai Navy as part of Navantia’s upgrade programme for two Pattani-class Offshore Patrol Vessels and the HTMS Chang Landing Platform Dock. The contract marks the first collaboration between Navantia and Thales in Thailand, with the new IFF technology providing rapid identification, strengthened situational awareness, and integration into existing radar and Combat Management Systems. The TSA3520 interrogator and TSC4000 transponder will play a central role in improving medium- and long-range identification capabilities. The partnership further reinforces Thales’ long-standing presence in Thailand, where its systems already equip more than 80% of the Navy’s warships. Navantia noted the agreement reaffirms its commitment to supporting Thailand’s fleet modernisation with state-of-the-art defence technologies, while Thales highlighted that the upgrade will significantly enhance the sensor capabilities of HTMS Pattani, HTMS Narathiwat, and HTMS Chang.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 14-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales will supply three Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems to support major upgrades to the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet, including the modernisation of two Pattani-class Offshore Patrol Vessels and the enhancement of HTMS Chang, the Navy’s Landing Platform Dock. The systems will be delivered as part of Navantia’s contracted upgrade programme, marking the first collaboration between Navantia and Thales in Thailand.

These advanced IFF interrogators are designed to rapidly identify detected targets and enhance real-time situational awareness, a capability that is increasingly critical as naval forces face faster and more unpredictable threats. The systems will be fully integrated with existing onboard surveillance radars and Combat Management Systems, ensuring seamless operation during missions.

The partnership between Navantia and Thales was formalised with an agreement signed during Defense & Security 2025 in Bangkok, reinforcing both companies’ long-term commitment to supporting the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet modernisation initiatives. For Navantia, the collaboration builds upon two major contracts awarded in 2025 for upgrading the two Pattani-class OPVs and the HTMS Chang LPD.

IFF technology plays an essential role in modern naval operations by distinguishing friendly forces from unknown or potentially hostile contacts. Working alongside radar systems, the solution supports secure identification of surface and airborne objects, including civilian aircraft, while cryptographic protections help prevent misidentification and reduce the risk of friendly fire incidents.

Thales’ contribution to the programme will include an IFF system featuring an interrogator suited for medium- and long-range surveillance, paired with a TSC4000 transponder known for its flexibility and global deployment across ships, aircraft, and even high-performance UAV platforms. With more than 25,000 Thales IFF systems installed on over 100 types of platforms in more than 70 countries, the company continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in maritime identification technology.

Navantia’s Commercial Director for Asia, Jose Ignacio Navas, emphasized that the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that align with the Royal Thai Navy’s strategic priorities. Thales, which has supported the Royal Thai Navy for more than 55 years and equips over 80% of its warships with technologies such as radar, sonar, mine-hunting, fire control, and C2 systems, underscored the significance of the project. Nicolas Bernardin, Country Director for Thales in Thailand, noted that the new IFF systems will strengthen the sensor suites aboard HTMS Pattani, HTMS Narathiwat, and HTMS Chang to help maintain Thailand’s maritime security and operational readiness.

About Thales Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems

The TSA3520 interrogator is ideally suited for medium- and long-range surveillance and identification due to its compact design and extensive feature set, as well as its proven integration capabilities with radar and surveillance systems.The TSC4000, a versatile IFF transponder deployed on numerous ships and aircraft worldwide – including integration with demanding UAVs – complement the identification service.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

About Thales in Thailand

Thales has been present in Thailand for over 55 years and is involved today in the Aerospace & Space, Defence, Cyber & Digital sectors. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thales has a strong historical presence in defence, working in close collaboration with key local industrial partners, while also delivering advanced aerospace and security solutions for airports and airlines, and playing a significant role in the daily lives of Thai citizens with biometric passports, advanced banking and payment services with cards to Thai banks, financial institutions, transit authorities and operators. Thales supports Thailand’s national growth strategy, including “Thailand 4.0” by enhancing security, safety, economic growth and developing local talent.

About Navantia

With a history of more than 300 years building ships for the Spanish Navy, Navantia is a state-owned strategic Defence and technology company. Its areas of specialization range from shipbuilding (surface and submarine) to the design and integration of state-of-the art systems, life cycle support and smart services. Additionally, through its brand Navantia Seanergies, it is a global supplier for the development of offshore wind energy and other green energies such as hydrogen. Navantia employs nearly 4,000 people directly in Spain, mainly at its offices in Ferrol and Fene (A Coruña), Puerto, Real, San Fernando, Cádiz and Rota (Cádiz), Cartagena (Murcia Region) and Madrid and has subsidiaries in Australia, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom.

Committed to building a safe and sustainable future through technological excellence and industrial collaboration, Navantia has contracts with Governments and companies around the world, as well as ties with universities and technological and academic centres. It contributes to sustainability and innovation through its daily commitment to people and the planet through its ESG practices. It is owned 100% by the Sociedad Española de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), attached to the Spanish Ministry of Finance.

Media Relations

For further enquiries, please contact a member of the Thales media relations team (journalists only).
https://lp.thalesgroup.com/contact_us_journalists

SOURCE: Thales