UK defence technology group Cohort plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, establishing a partnership to pursue significant naval contracts, including the Royal Thai Navy’s upcoming second-phase frigate acquisition programme.
The agreement, signed at the Defense & Security 2025 exhibition in Bangkok, positions Cohort’s UK-developed technologies for integration onto a major international naval platform, creating potential export opportunities for the UK defence supply chain.
The collaboration will focus on delivering a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for the Thai frigate programme, which is anticipated to commence in 2026. The MoU specifically identifies a range of Cohort’s proven naval defence capabilities that will be offered as part of the bid. This opens potential supply chain opportunities for UK firms specialising in subsystems and components related to sonar systems, torpedo launcher systems, and advanced surveillance, targeting, and fire-control systems. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses communications management solutions and satellite communications terminals, areas where Cohort has an established global presence with navies worldwide.
This partnership builds on Hanwha Ocean’s existing relationship with the Royal Thai Navy, having successfully delivered the first-phase frigate, HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2018. The collaboration aims to combine Hanwha’s advanced shipbuilding expertise with Cohort’s portfolio of sensor and weapon technologies to deliver a larger frigate with enhanced lethality and operational effectiveness.
Andy Thomis, Chief Executive of Cohort plc, highlighted that the partnership would leverage unique modular and open architecture designs. This approach is intended to future-proof the vessels, supporting long-term capability upgrades and security, a key consideration for modern naval procurement. For the supply chain, a commitment to open architecture can lower barriers to entry and create a more dynamic environment for technology insertion and integration from a wider range of specialist suppliers. This agreement marks a key step in strengthening Cohort’s international partnerships and provides a clear route to market for its maritime capabilities within the expanding Asia-Pacific region.
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