Thailand’s Chakri Naruebet: The Only Aircraft Carrier in Southeast Asia

The HTMS Chakri Naruebet is a light aircraft carrier and flagship of the Royal Thai Navy. Thailand refers to her as a helicopter carrier, but she can operate fixed-wing aircrafts using a ski-jump.
References
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Keywords: Principe de Asturias carrier, AV-8S Matador, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, British, UK, SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, helicopter carrier, Mistral, SAAB Sea Giraffe radar, Bazan, South China Sea, ASEAN, AN/SPS-52 radar, modern warships, naval aviation, supercarriers, Thai military, amphibious landing

[@donjobi9400]

add attack drone

[@KenanTurkiye]

Whaaaat? :)

[@husnainchouhdry4732]

Always look foward to ur vids

[@EurasiaNaval]

Thanks my dude!

[@kaito1213]

I think world smallest Aircraft Carrier is IJN Hosho because HTMS Chakri Naruebet is 183m long and IJN Hosho is 168m long.

[@EurasiaNaval]

Haha - I should have specified active carriers only. But in general it's best not to use too many words in a vid like this in case the viewer gets bored

[@kaito1213]

@@EurasiaNaval oooo i see

[@philosopherfrombed]

HTMS Chakri Naruebet is the smallest aircraft carrier in service currently, yeah IJN Hosho most probably was smallest aircraft carrier ever built

[@simonyip5978]

HMS Invincible, Ark Royal and Illustrious were around 650 feet long, not much bigger than this vessel, and much smaller than the new Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth II class which are over 1,000 feet long I believe.

[@tim_thailand9569]

I have visited HTMS Chakri Naruebet once. She stationed at Sattahip Naval Base not far from my home. I didn't expect that this ship could be the smallest one. This ship stationed for the tourist to come like museum ship, it will be a long time she going out for sail.

[@Zion_98x]

The most useless aircraft carrier 😂😂😂

[@oomygamerchannel936]

@@Zion_98x Useless? a bunch of USA and some of the UK aircrafts have ever landed on this carrier before

[@Zion_98x]

@@oomygamerchannel936 ye ah litterly most useless Can deploy only fucking 5,6 aircraft and also there And old junk🤣

[@anantaprimawan2234]

@@Zion_98x THAITANIC

[@DogG156]

⁠@@Zion_98xit’s not useless at all for me because the reason why this carrier docked at the port for long time is the high cost for mission. This light aircraft carrier could carrier drone, helicopter and VTOL jet. She just need some upgrade, like add more CIWS or medium range air to air missile.

[@sergeantblue6115]

Thailand has plans to purchase a 30,000 ton light aircraft carrier called the sac230 back in the 1980s and 90s before a couple economical crisis situations hit thailand, not sure if this is going to be a replacement for the chakri after a while.

[@Darkpara1]

They don't need any aircraft carriers.

[@asiftalpur3758]

Can you do a video on small attack boats and why they're necessary for naval doctrines of navies? Also a speculative video on newer Type-055B and DDX would be very much appreciated to give some perspective

[@EurasiaNaval]

Thanks for the ideas

[@Joker-yw9hl]

Seems like a very decent light carrier tbh

[@pichupuche2474]

Hi Eurasia Naval Insight As a Thai person, can you do a video explaining to foreigners about misconceptions about Chakri Naruebet? Foreigners who haven't researched the information tend to make a lot of video about this carrier and make fun of it, like they try to say it a yacht for VIPs or for the Thai royal family for vacation, which is stupid and not true at all. They have no any evidence about this but people that watch the Tiktok video tend to believe it so easily.Yet still haven't stopped creating fake news about Chakri Naruebet. In the beginning The Chakri was primarily a helicopter carrier, but Spain wanted to sell eight of its decommissioned vertical take-off and landing aircraft at a low price. So the navy added an extension to enable it to fly. But when there was a lack of parts, they were discharged. So Chakri function as helicopter carriers to this day. And it is not true that the Chakri do not have weapons to defend themselves.

[@moalzaben5554]

Is the Thai navy even planning to purchase the AV-8B Harrier II which is an improved version, even though production of the aircraft technically stopped

[@alexlo7708]

They once had plan. But US knew in advance so they cut if off buying the whole early retired UK harrier first.

[@moalzaben5554]

@@alexlo7708 well that makes sense

[@moalzaben5554]

@@alexlo7708 are they planning for any further replacements? Or will it just stay as a helicopter carrier

[@f4r0ng25]

@@moalzaben5554 No, they are not because they can not buy Harrier from US and F35B is required a new flight deck so it is not worth it.

[@moalzaben5554]

@@f4r0ng25 ah ok

[@kawings]

Maybe thai navy could purchase F35B into the aircraft carrier use?

[@zixinxia194]

The elevator need to be upgraded or changed. The hangers probably too.

[@calvinblue894]

Nah... Thailand will wait for chinese J-31s VTOL fighers..

[@DogG156]

Thai navy has no plan about f35B due to many reason like flight cost, flight deck can’t afford the f35B weight also the lift.

[@Joshua_N-A]

Sea Control Ship concept lives through this vessel.

[@jamesanakin]

Could probs send those Matadors over to Isreal for an overhaul and life extension upgrade. They're well known for getting the most out of older tech. Get they're fixed wing element back.

[@mehp6107]

It looks like its cut in half

[@WildBillCox13]

Most interesting. A question: do any LPH/LPD or light carrier(s) ship dedicated attack helos in its (their) air wing? Like the Whiskey Cobra or Apache. Or are the helos generic and modified to mission spcification?

[@EurasiaNaval]

From my understanding, helicopter carriers typically have attack helos as part of its airwing. US Wasp class carries Cobras and Vipers as part of its standard complement, although I'm unsure how often this gets changed based on deployment requirement. Chinese Type 075 LHDs carry the Russian-made Ka-52 attack helos, among other helos. In fact, Chinese media speculate the last purchase of Ka-52 from Russia in 2021 was specifically to outfit the Type 075s. That said, I am unsure about whether LPDs would carry attack helos - transport helos should be the overwhelming majority. I don't see why LPDs cannot physically support them though.

[@sergeantblue6115]

@@EurasiaNaval thailand has the funds to equip the ah1f attack helicopters on the ship although this has not been done or brought up.

[@Flyingprussureizedtube]

Chakri Naruebet is actually a helicopter carrier

[@omarbaba9892]

Tbh is there even really point in them having a carrier like this? It’s a comically easy target for modern weapons

[@bg24955]

Excellent presentation as always. I am thinking 11,000 ton carrier fitted with electromagnetic catapult, how many fixed wing fighters it can carry?

[@de-comm8715]

5-10 aircrafts. Although it is a nice concept but eventually a bad idea because even US has never thought of doing this to their LHDs.

[@alexlo7708]

There are not space enough to fit both catapult and arresting cable mechanic.

[@EurasiaNaval]

Thanks for your support. I cannot imagine the carrier being able to support EM catapults. There would need to be the necessary power plant to generate the energy for the batteries that power the catapults. There would of course need to be the extra space, for both the catapults, enery storage, and the landing arrestment device. A ship of this size wouldn't have the extra capacity regarding space and power to support EMALs, partly as it was not built to support such a degree of modernisation. As to your second question - the ship can carry a combination of 18 helos and fixed wing aircrafts, so this probably translate to about 12 fixed wing aircrafts solely. Even if hypothetically you can install EMALs, it wouldn't be worth the expense for 12 aircrafts.

[@alexlo7708]

@@EurasiaNaval There are some approach in building EM sling shot. Batt needs more space but inertia balance wheel also can store energy or supercapacitor etc. Various way to operating it.

[@bg24955]

@@EurasiaNaval thank you. I was contemplating converting type 055’s hull to a flat top. Allegedly the ship has 20% excess power in reserve. Borrowing battlecruiser’s concept, such mini carrier can take out any surface asset except the fleet carrier. Augmented by couple DDG and an oiler, it can do blue water patrol & commerce raiding, most importantly cheap!

[@Hey_MikeZeroEcho22P]

I JUST saw this video of Thailand's A/C ..... Very Good video for my research of HTMS ChakriNaruebet!!👍👍👍 I have Two (2), [yeah two] 3D-printed models of this specific ship, but the First one has a Major, Over-Exaggerated centerline for a-c to take off from....its Quite ugly☹. The other is a little bit better printed, but with Both models I need references from Everywhere onboard the ship (exterior shots) and seeing how to make decals for the FD. (Also, check your mail.....sent another set of CV-16)!

[@jackblack937]

This one is listed on 14th place when it comes to size

[@ehssanghandehari856]

The Carrier is 25 years old by this year of 2022… wonder why Thailand dosent flex its naval power if it has a carrier

[@abdirahmaanmohamed1582]

I hope we could have better version of this Aircraft carrier

[@oldtabrough1026]

I would rather decommissioned this aircraft carrier and use the money to build 2 new destroyers since Thailand's navy is not a blue water navy. I'm sure the maintenance cost to keep it running will increase as it ages. Having destroyers to guard its shore lines makes more sense.

[@NakSaddboii]

Thailand's pride an old rusty helicopter carrier convert into a small aircraft carrier 😂😂😂

[@ahmadsantoso9712]

They want to be seen as the strongest country in Southeast Asia.

[@NoahJudenStern]

Which, it is.

[@Community_GuideIines]

well they might be just behind Indonesia

[@zixinxia194]

It's such a pity that it don't have a angled flight deck, Thailand should really modify the ship to have a angled flight deck, so that it became a mini-carrier.

[@EurasiaNaval]

Sensible idea. The ship might not stay commissioned for much longer givennits age though

[@sergeantblue6115]

sac230 one of thailand's options for a carrier purchase back then is a light catobar carrier with a angled flight deck but they didnt buy it cus economic crisis and not really ideal for disaster relief missions

[@jamesbugbee9026]

Her number is not the only dark portent 4 this rather innocent little ship

[@va_sirberpasir9708]

If Thai navy kept upgrading or at least holding her. I assume She could be converted to attack UAV capable carrier in the future. Giving her back the original purpose and use

[@edison7300037]

well they could, but if we come down to the budget ....it's probably not worth it. not to mention Airforce and Army can provide cheaper options just to reject the Navy.

[@oat2jz]

They already use it for UAV carrier now

[@gialagvilava4516]

PILOT-Astronavigator 👁

[@العربيالجديد-ن3ذ]

Why do they need it in Thailand?

[@VI_Megami]

To serve as an operational base protecting the nation's interests by sea, assisting in disaster relief, and preserving the marine environment.

[@therover65]

White elephant, then, and now.

[@annoyedcat9291]

Imagine if Thailand manages to buy F-35B with this aircraft carrier

[@pichupuche2474]

No, we are not stupid. F-35B can not land on Chakri because The Ship surfaces do not withstand the heat of fighter jets. Chakri is a Helicopter carrier.

[@annoyedcat9291]

@@pichupuche2474 the landing deck can be modified with heat resistant layer to allow F-35 land like the modified Japanese helicopter carrier

[@pichupuche2474]

@@annoyedcat9291 No matter where you look it's not worth it for old carrier like Chakri Naruebet to operation F-35. Be whatever it be, Chakri can use as Anti-Submarine Helicopter and land based of UAV such as Black jack.

[@annoyedcat9291]

@@pichupuche2474 It appears you do not see the potential of an aircraft carrier. It just need refurbishment and modernization to become a sea worthy vessel that can project power in Asia to deter Chinese expansion. A light aircraft carrier is similar to a helicopter carrier, except it had an assisted ski ramp

[@pichupuche2474]

@@annoyedcat9291 No, because Chakri didn't design to do that mission in the first place. Thailand brought them for helping people during the disaster in Thailand and it's main mission is to operation helicopter not fighter jet.

[@edison7300037]

an unnecessary trade deal. should have bought destroyers or frigates instead. now the only hope they have is to make it a drone carrier.

[@Joshua_N-A]

It's a royal yacht

[@f4r0ng25]

The reason for this ship is to help people while that time they didn't have the ship that can survive in the storm

[@edison7300037]

@@f4r0ng25 you don't need a carrier to work as a rescue ship.

[@oat2jz]

Now they use it for attack UAV carrier

[@edison7300037]

@@oat2jz that's good to hear. what kind of UAV did they choose ?

[@laserbrain7774]

Sea control ship.

[@AlbertoPirrotta]

McDonnell Douglas AV-8A Harrier an old plane of USA !!!

[@NoahJudenStern]

Ok?

[@samthezombie]

is one aircraft carrier to Thailand 🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭 too how no aircraft carrier Country Asia 🌏? : Philippines, Indonesia and more? 😢😢

[@Darkpara1]

Because unless you're projecting your military might across a large area, they aren't all that useful.

[@RatedR03]

Lpd's are far more effective for their needs because of disaster relief and cost-effectiveness

[@engchoontan8483]

2023, their government funding indeed improved

[@engchoontan8483]

But they take on too many in one go. Only egg them on a little with the biggest. The others, their navy, cannot be discussed.

[@RINKING-s1h]

Prink land spaceX😊😊😊 go noi tower

[@mohamedzulkifly8966]

How big or small does not matter... What are Thailand doing with it post a million answer... Did they put aircraft on it? Its an aircraft carrier for God sack... Just for show off? Singapore are laughing in tears to Thailand....

[@eduardojunior3934]

Jesus is king

[@kkun2663]

คนไทยเป็นคนเก่งทำไมเราไปสร้างเคิองบินใช้เอง รึกลัวพวกพ้องกม่ได้ค่าเงินทอน

[@sergeantblue6115]

ปัญหาคือเทคโนโลยี vtol พวกเรามีความรู้ไม่มาก

[@AlbertoPirrotta]

Wasted money !!!

[@TheLUSMAYS]

A wasteful purchase😂😂

[@NoahJudenStern]

False, it is one of the most useful purchase the RTN has ever made. It is extremely handy when it comes to providing aid and evacuation civilians from disasters.

[@BANG-CHU-BANG-CALI]

​@@NoahJudenSternaircraft carrier joke🤡

[@NoahJudenStern]

@@BANG-CHU-BANG-CALI We have one, but you don’t.

[@pichupuche2474]

@@BANG-CHU-BANG-CALI Vietcong eat dogs.

[@BANG-CHU-BANG-CALI]

Thailand is funny 😂😂😂aircraft carrier joke🤡

[@pichupuche2474]

Vietcong eat dogs.