German authorities have barred the use of German-made engines in submarines, effectively ending a potential deal between the German and Australian governments.
Thailand's Chinese Submarines in a Pickle: Germany's EU Membership Stalls Engine Export 🇩🇪🇹🇭
Turns out, them Chinese-made submarines Thailand just ordered? No German engines, mate. That's because ol' Germany's part of the European Union and can't exactly ship arms to China, d'ya see? Yeah, it's a bit of a hassle. 🗝️
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai got the lowdown on this sabotage-a-go-go situation during a recent shindig with German counterpart Boris Pistorius at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting (UNPKM) 2025 in Berlin.
Phumtham praised Germany for hosting the bash and shouted out the election of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, but he didn't mind retaining Pistorius in his post—that's continuity in German defense policy, son!
Both hell raisers hollered about their 163-year-long relationship, with Germany being Thailand's largest trading partner within the EU. Hell, they couldn't help but embrace each other's economic ties. 🤝
Phumtham spilled the beans on Thailand's plans to beef up its peacekeeping capabilities and host training sessions under the Triangular Partnership Programme between 2027 and 2028. He also thanked Germany for aiding in the training of Thai military personnel, noting it had boosted their professional prowess something fierce.
Now, Phumtham's keen on collaborating with Germany in cyber defense and AI, trying to bring his armed forces into the technological era. He's also got his eye on homegrown military vehicle production, ship parts, UAVs, and firearms and ammo. 💪
During the powwow, Phumtham asked if Germany's defense ministry could supply MTU396 submarine engines for the Chinese submarines Thailand's bought. But ol' Pistorius had to spill some cold, hard truths: They can't, bro, thanks to the EU's arms embargo on China.
Back in July 2024, the Thai Navy agreed to China's proposal to use the China-made CHD620 engines. But if that doesn't work, Thailand might look for alternative engine suppliers outside the EU, repurpose infrastructure for other vessels, or even crack down on domestic production for self-dependency. 🤔🤔🤔
Long story short? Thailand's in a bit of a jam, but they're not going down without a fight. We'll have to wait and see if their boots hit the ground with German engines or homegrown ones. Keep an eye on this one, folks. It's gonna get interesting! 💣🔥🚀
In light of the discussions between Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and German counterpart Boris Pistorius, it became clear that Germany cannot supply MTU396 submarine engines for Thailand's Chinese-made submarines due to the EU's arms embargo on China. Despite this setback, Thailand may seek alternative engine suppliers outside the EU, repurpose infrastructure for other vessels, or even focus on domestic production for self-dependency.
