Spanish company Escribano Mechanical and Engineering (EM&E) Group has been selected to provide the Royal Thai Navy with naval solutions for installation on the Tor 997 and Tor 998 patrol boats.
The company will deliver two Sentinel 30 Naval Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) with the Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster chain gun and two OTEOS Electro Optics Systems to serve as firing control systems.
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This agreement marks the first instance of the Thai Navy using EM&E’s maritime solutions.
It represents a strategic move to enhance rapid response capabilities and precision through stabilisation, remote operation, and observation with target tracking features.
As stated by the company, the Sentinel 30 can discharge 30x173mm rounds, a 200-round ammunition capacity, and compatibility with Programmable Air Burst Munition.
In 2024, EM&E successfully delivered seven Guardian 1.5 land remote controlled weapon stations to the Royal Thai Navy, which were mounted on Chaiseri armoured wheeled amphibious vehicles.
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By GlobalDataThese systems, equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, are claimed to have augmented the capabilities of the Marine Corps’ 8×8 vehicles.
In addition, EM&E’s technology is also employed by the Royal Thai Police, who use the aunav.NEXT robots for the neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices nationwide.
These robots can lift up to 250kg and feature two synchronised arms.
The company has also recently expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by opening a new office.
This latest contract follows the announcement that Javier Escribano will take over as president of EM&E, succeeding Ángel Escribano who steps down following his brother’s appointment as executive president of Indra.
The construction of the Thai Navy coastal patrol vessels, ship series T.997-998, began with the signing of the shipbuilding contract with Marsan Public Company on 26 July 2019. The keel was laid on 14 November 2019, and the vessels were launched on 21 June 2021.
The T.997 and T.998 vessels are 41.45 metres (m) long, with a width of 7.2m, a draft of 3.8m, and a hull clearance of 2.0m. They can reach a sustained top speed of at least 28 knots and are staffed by a crew of 33.
The vessels are powered by MAN engines producing 2,960kW at 1,900rpm, Wartsila propellers, two 150kW 380 VAC generators, and ZF gearboxes.
