Thales and Universal Communication Systems have signed a contract to modernize the flagship of the Royal Thai Navy the uniquely dubbed "royal yacht" and aircraft carrier without aircraft, HTMS Chakri Naruebet. The upgrade will include the installation of an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
The announcement was made at the Defense & Security 2025 exhibition in Bangkok. The goal is to bring the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities to a modern standard and meet today's operational challenges.
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The new system will centralize control of the carrier's propulsion, electrical, auxiliary, and damage-control systems, while also enabling real-time decision-making support. Such modernization is needed, as Chakri Naruebet has been in service for 28 years.
Originally, Thailand purchased used AV-8S Harriers from Spain for the carrier, but those aircraft served only nine years before being retired and no replacements were ever acquired.
Still, the ship remains in regular use for patrols and showing the flag missions. It also serves as a platform for S-70B Seahawk helicopters and various UAVs operated by the Thai Navy.
Choosing Thales for the upgrade is no coincidence the company has worked with the Royal Thai Navy for decades, and around 80% of Thailand's naval fleet already uses Thales systems.
When Chakri Naruebet is not at sea, it often functions as a tourist attraction, reinforcing its image as a luxury royal yacht. This reputation has sometimes made modernization efforts seem like extravagant spending.
Nevertheless, the carriers ability to operate helicopters and drones ensures it still plays a valuable regional role and in the future, Thailand might even enhance its air capabilities by acquiring Turkish-made combat drones to compensate for the loss of fixed-wing aircraft.
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