At the Defense & Security 2025 exhibition in Bangkok, Navantia and Thales signed a significant partnership agreement to support the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in its fleet modernization efforts. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the RTN, with Thales providing its advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems for integration into key naval vessels.
IFF systems are critical components in modern naval operations, designed to distinguish friendly forces from potential threats. By working in conjunction with radar systems, they provide secure identification of detected objects, including civil aircraft. These systems employ cryptographic solutions to accurately identify targets, thereby playing a vital role in preventing friendly fire incidents and enhancing overall maritime domain awareness.
For this project, Thales will supply a comprehensive IFF package. This includes the TSA3520 interrogator, a system renowned for its compact design and suitability for medium and long-range surveillance and identification. Complementing this is the TSC4000, a versatile and robust transponder deployed on numerous ships and aircraft globally. With over 25,000 Thales IFF systems in service across more than 100 platform types in over 70 countries, the company brings proven expertise and reliability to the partnership.
The immediate context for this agreement is Navantia’s recent contracts awarded in 2025 for the modernization of two Pattani-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)—HTMS Pattani and HTMS Narathiwat—and the HTMS Chang, a Landing Platform Dock (LPD). The integration of Thales’ state-of-the-art IFF technology into these warships will significantly upgrade their sensor suites. Jose Ignacio Navas, Commercial Director for Asia at Navantia, affirmed that this partnership reaffirms Navantia’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and supporting the strategic needs of the RTN.
This collaboration further solidifies Thales’ long-standing relationship with the Thai navy, building on over 55 years of support. Thales equipment, including radars, sonars, and command and control systems, is already present on over 80% of the RTN’s warships. Nicolas Bernardin, Country Director for Thales in Thailand, emphasized that their IFF solutions ensure security, interoperability, and discretion, making them a preferred choice for navies worldwide. He stated the aim is to “bring new life” into these formidable warships, ensuring Thailand’s maritime superiority.
