Cohort and Hanwha Ocean sign MoU to pursue Thai frigate program

November 11, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense technology group Cohort and South Korean shipbuilding major Hanwha Ocean have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pursue the Royal Thai Navy’s frigate program.

As disclosed, the MoU was signed at Defense & Security 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The agreement signals the ambition of the two companies to deliver innovative and cost-effective defense technologies to address the needs and requirements of the Royal Thai Navy’s second-phase frigate acquisition program, which is expected to commence in 2026.

Specifically, the MoU will encompass Cohort’s naval defense capabilities such as sonar systems, torpedo launcher systems, surveillance, targeting, and fire-control systems, as well as communications management.

Cohort’s maritime technologies include satellite communications terminals, in service with navies worldwide.

“This agreement marks a key milestone in our growing relationship with Hanwha Ocean and an important step in strengthening Cohort’s international partnerships. By combining the expertise and technology from across the Cohort Group with Hanwha Ocean’s, we can deliver naval platforms that enhance operational effectiveness and, through unique modular and open architecture design, future proof vessels to support long-term capability and security,” Andy Thomis, Chief Executive of Cohort, said.

“Hanwha Ocean successfully delivered the prestigious HTMS (His Thai Majesty’s Ship) Bhumibol Adulyadej, the first-phase frigate, to the Royal Thai Navy in 2018. We are delighted to collaborate with the Cohort Group on the second Phase frigate programme,” Charlie SC (Sung-chul) EOH, President of Naval Ship Business at Hanwha Ocean, stated.