HTMS Taksin

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HTMS Taksin (FFG-422) is a Royal Thai Navy frigate and the lead ship of the Naresuan class. Built in Shanghai by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, it was laid down in 1991, launched in 1993, and commissioned in 1995. Its sister ship is HTMS Naresuan. The two ships were bought for about 2 billion baht each.

Overview
HTMS Taksin is a modified Type 053 frigate designed for multi‑purpose naval missions. It carries a small helicopter, a mix of medium-range air and surface missiles, torpedoes, and a 127 mm main gun, along with radar and sensor systems to detect and track targets. The Thai Navy has continually worked to upgrade its capabilities, including modern combat-management and sensors, and to improve its missile and data‑link systems. In recent years the ship has participated in networked exercises linking with Thai air and naval forces.

Key specifications
- Class and type: Naresuan-class frigate (modified Type 053)
- Builder: China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Shanghai
- Length × beam × draft: about 120.5 m × 13.7 m × 6 m
- Displacement: about 2,985 tons full load
- Propulsion: 1 gas turbine + 2 diesel engines (CODOG); top speed around 32 knots; range about 4,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
- Complement: around 150 crew
- Armament: 1 × 127 mm gun; 2 × 30 mm guns; 8-cell Mk 41 VLS with 32 ESSM; Harpoon missiles; 2 × triple 324 mm torpedo tubes; one helicopter
- Sensors and electronics: surface and air surveillance radars, navigation radar, IFF, combat-management system, and fire-control sensors
- Notable upgrades: Saab 9LV MK4 combat management system, Sea Giraffe radar, CEROS 200 fire-control radar, EOS 500 electro-optics, and data links for joint operations
- Aircraft: 1 × Super Lynx 300 helicopter