Myanmar Navy's newest locally-built frigate floated out

A new frigate ordered by the Myanmar Navy was launched into the water for the first time during a ceremony at Thanlyin Naval Base on Tuesday, December 24.

The vessel has been named UMS King Thalun after King Thalun of Burma, who reigned from 1584 until his death in 1648. The ship is the first of the Thalun-class frigates, which are being manufactured at the Myanmar Navy’s own shipyard facilities.

Upon completion, the frigate will have a length of 135 metres, a beam of 14.5 metres, a draught of 4.1 metres, a displacement of 3,500 tonnes, and a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion arrangement that can deliver speeds of up to 30 knots. The superstructure boasts low-observable stealth features to reduce radar cross-section.

The vessel's armament will include a 76mm naval gun, a 30mm close-in weapon system, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, 12.7mm machine guns, torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-submarine rockets. Aviation facilities are also available for use by a Ka-28 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle.