April 2026
Two major Turkish defense companies are set to compete against each other in a high-profile frigate procurement tender launched by the Royal Thai Navy, according to a report by Patronlar Dünyası.
The long-awaited tender, reportedly backed by a budget of around $500 million, aims to strengthen Thailand’s naval capabilities with the acquisition of new frigates. The competition has attracted both Turkish and South Korean bidders, highlighting the strategic importance of the program.
Turkish rivals: ASFAT vs TAIS
Turkey will be represented by two competing consortia. State-backed defense company ASFAT plans to enter the tender with its MILGEM-based warship design, a platform already used by the Turkish Navy and exported to several countries.
Meanwhile, private shipbuilding group TAİS will bid with its own design, known as the BORA frigate, positioning itself as a direct competitor to ASFAT in the same tender.
International competition
In total, four bids are expected in the tender—two from Turkish companies and two from South Korean firms—underscoring the growing global competition in naval defense exports.
Strategic significance
The Thai Navy’s frigate program is seen as a critical modernization effort. New vessels are expected to enhance operational capabilities and support long-term maritime security goals in the region.
For Turkey, the tender represents another opportunity to expand its rapidly growing defense exports, particularly in naval platforms such as frigates and corvettes, which have gained traction in international markets in recent years.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök