<\/p>\n
The Royal Thai Navy has taken delivery of a Chinese-built amphib, the first in a series of vessels that it has ordered from China's busy naval shipyards. <\/p>\n
The newly-delivered HTMS Chang<\/em> is a 210-meter amphibious assault ship with a displacement of 25,000 tonnes. It has enough capacity for 600 troops, plus a crew complement of 200. <\/p>\n The warship was delivered without weapons systems or radar, which will be purchased and installed separately, according to Thai public broadcaster PBS. In the meantime, HTMS Chang<\/em> is already well-suited for disaster relief and sealift roles.<\/p>\n The Royal Thai Navy ordered HTMS Chang <\/em>from China State Shipbuilding Corporation's Hudong Zhonghua shipyard. The vessel is based on CSSC's Type 071 amphib design, built for China's PLA Navy. The class has room for two helicopters with enclosed hangars, and enough cargo deck space for 60 armored vehicles. It also has a well-deck with room for up to two landing craft or LCACs. <\/p>\n