Myanmar Navy Launches Its Largest Warship, the Frigate “King Thalun”
The Myanmar Navy’s frigate “King Thalun” began construction in 2017, reportedly utilizing Chinese technology and components, and was only recently completed.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Two days ago, the Myanmar Navy launched its largest and heaviest frigate to date, named “King Thalun,” in conjunction with the 77th anniversary of the Southeast Asian nation’s navy.
According to local Myanmar media reports, the launch ceremony of the King Thalun frigate at the Navy Dockyard Headquarters was attended by the country’s top military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Measuring 135 meters in length, the King Thalun frigate, which was built using Chinese technology, began construction in 2017 and was only recently completed.
The King Thalun is the largest and most advanced warship ever built by the Myanmar Navy. It boasts a length of 135 meters, a width of 14.5 meters, and a height of 9 meters, with a total displacement of 3,500 tons.
The frigate is believed to be equipped with 16 Vertical Launch System (VLS) silos, capable of deploying subsonic C-802 (YJ-82) anti-ship missiles with a range of 180 km, as well as HQ-16 air defense systems.
Developed in late 2011, the HQ-16 is a medium-range air defense system believed to be based on the early variants of Russia’s Buk air defense system.
The C-802 anti-ship missile and the HQ-16 medium-range air defense system are products of China’s defense industry.
The HQ-16 air defense system employs two types of missiles – the shorter-range HQ-16A and the longer-range HQ-16B. The HQ-16A reportedly has a maximum range of 40 km and a maximum altitude of 18 km, while the longer-range HQ-16B can reach distances of 60 to 70 km with an altitude between 21 and 25 km.
Equipped with modern weaponry and technology, the King Thalun frigate can reach speeds of up to 30 knots, aligning with the operational requirements of 21st-century naval forces.
In his address, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the Myanmar Navy’s progress from purchasing naval vessels from foreign countries to constructing such warships domestically.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Myanmar’s maritime sovereignty and natural resources, stating that modern warships like the King Thalun are vital to achieving this objective.
The Senior General also outlined the navy’s future ambitions to transition from coastal defense to regional operational capabilities.
Local media further reported that the Myanmar Navy’s latest and most advanced frigate is capable of defending the nation’s maritime borders from both conventional and unconventional threats, conducting patrol and surveillance missions, combating terrorist incursions, protecting maritime boundaries, and controlling the country’s territorial waters.
The King Thalun is also capable of carrying out search and rescue operations for humanitarian purposes.
With the addition of the King Thalun frigate, which can be deployed in various military operations, Myanmar can now safeguard its waters more effectively, contributing to the nation’s maritime interests. — DSA
