The navy's 36-billion-baht plan to purchase three submarines from China may have to be delayed, or even reviewed, the new navy chief, Adm Na Areenij, said on Thursday.
Adm Na, in an interview on his first day as navy commander-in-chief, insisted that submarines are a necessary capability. But he understood that the economy is in a downturn with many limitations placed on the government in meeting the needs of the people in every sector, particularly the grassroots. This could affect the navy's bid for a submarine fleet.
"We have to build opportunity from crisis. The navy will look to improving its knowledge, expertise and tactics. We have to increase the capability of our units under budget constraints. We may run short of funds, but we still can make improvements," Adm Na said.
"During my two years as navy chief, I will try to make the navy a place of learning and knowledge," he added.
Adm Na said if the submarines purchase plan was stalled, the navy would have an alternative to propose, but declined to elaborate, saying he had yet to discuss it with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the deputy prime minister and defence minister.
The navy had submitted a proposal to acquire the submarines to the Defence Ministry, to be forwarded to the cabinet for consideration.
However, the proposal was still with the Defence Ministry at this stage, he said.
Sources said the navy chief's remarks came amid reports circulating in the navy that he would prefer to scrap the plan to buy Chinese submarines and seek to buy highly sophiscated frigates instead.
But if Gen Prawit wanted the submarine acquisition plan to go ahead, Adm Na would opt for German-made submarines, or those made by South Korea using German technology, the sources said.