KING THALUN class

0 (+1) KING THALUN-class FRIGATES (FF)

Name          Pendant    Launched        Commissioned     Status 
KING THALUN   19         Dec. 24, 2024   ....             Fitting Out

The KING THALUN class is a Burmese indigenously-constructed frigate, designed with support from China and North Korea. The vessel is the largest ship ever constructed at a Burmese shipyard. It is designed for patrol, air defense and protection of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

HULL: A faceted, angular stealth hull is designed to reduce detectability. The KING THALUN features enclosed side passageways and davits amidship. The ship displaces 3,858 tons standard. It measures 442 ft 11 in (135.0 m) long, with a beam of 47 ft 7 in (14.5 m) and a draft of 13 ft 5 in (4.1 m). A helicopter landing platform is located aft.

ENGINEERING: Information on the ship's propulsion system is limited, however it is known to feature a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system. It has a maximum speed of 30 knots.

ARMAMENT: A Chinese Z9-C helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be landed on the aft platform. A forward 76-mm main gun is equipped. 16 vertical launch system (VLS) cells are installed, believed to carry Chinese-made HHQ-16 surface-to-air missiles (SAM). Eight C-802 anti-ship missiles are equipped, capable of striking targets at distances up to 97 nm (180 km).

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS: Unknown navigation and search radars are fitted. The bow's shape seems to indicate a bow-mounted sonar system. The electronics on the vessel are likely Chinese in origin.

Fitting out.

The KING THALUN was constructed at the Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters in Thanlyin, Burma with support from China and North Korea. Construction began in March 2017. Construction involved the assembly of 34 main blocks and 15 superstructures at the dockyard.

Initial reports suggested a class of two or three could be procured, however as of January 2025, there is no confirmation of further frigates under construction.

On Dec. 24, 2024, the Burmese navy hosted a ceremony to celebrate the launch of the KING THALUN. The event coincided with the 77th anniversary of the Burmese navy.

Shortly after the KING THALUN's launch, web portal Army Recognition reported that Italian defense company Leonardo's OTO Melara 76/62 main gun had been supplied to the Burmese navy and equipped aboard the frigate. On Jan. 16, 2025, the website issued a retraction following Leonardo's statement that no such deal had occurred, and the weapon had not been directly or indirectly supplied. Provision of armaments to Burma would violate the European Union's 1996 embargo on arms sales to the country.

Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters, Thanlyin, Yangon Region

 DISPLACEMENT
   Standard                3,858 tons

 DIMENSIONS
   Length                  442 ft 11 in (135.0 m)
   Beam                     47 ft  7 in ( 14.5 m)
   Draft                    13 ft  5 in (  4.1 m)

 PROPULSION
   Main                    CODOG

 PERFORMANCE
   Speed                   30 knots

 COMBAT SYSTEMS
   Helicopter              1 x Z9-C ASW or UAV
   Guns                    1 x 76-mm main gun
   Missiles                8 x C-802 anti-ship missiles
                           16 x VLS cells [HHQ-16 SAM carried]
   Radars                  1 x unknown navigation
                           1 x unknown surface search
   Sonar                   1 x bow sonar (suspected)

Also known as the FF-135 frigate.