Thailand validates air-defence capabilities of frigates with ESSM firing

HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej , seen here firing an ESSM round during an exercise on 25 July 2024. (Royal Thai Navy)

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has carried out its first near-simultaneous firing of the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) from two separate frigates.

This milestone was marked on 25 July when its sole Bhumibol Adulyadej (DW3000)-class frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej and its second Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin each fired one ESSM round against a simulated aerial target, the RTN disclosed in a statement on the same day.

Bhumibol Adulyadej hit the target from a distance of approximately 7 miles while Taksin intercepted it from a distance of about 8.5 miles.

“These weapons hit the target accurately. All systems worked correctly and completely, showing the readiness of the naval forces to protect the sovereignty and interests of the nation at sea,” the service added in its statement.

The RIM-162 ESSM is a ship-launched, medium-range self-defence weapon that was developed to counter high-speed and highly manoeuvrable anti-ship missiles, low-velocity air threats (LVATs), and surface threats.

Each missile carries a 39 kg blast fragmentation warhead and it can intercept targets at distances of up to 29.7 n miles.

Bhumibol Adulyadej is a South Korea-built frigate that was commissioned by the RTN in December 2018. It was launched by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in January 2017.

It is equipped with an eight-cell Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS) for the ESSM and eight launchers for the RGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile.

Meanwhile, Taksin is a China-built frigate that was inducted by the RTN in September 1995. It was launched by Zhonghua Shipyard in May 1994.