UK defence company Cohort plc and South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Defence & Security 2025 Exhibition in Bangkok. This strategic agreement exemplifies the theme of this year’s exhibition — The Power of Partnerships — and underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in supporting Thailand’s defence modernisation goals, while unlocking significant export opportunities for the UK defence industry.
The collaboration focuses on the opportunities provided by the Thai Frigate Programme, with Cohort bringing its advanced naval systems expertise to support Hanwha Ocean in offering cutting-edge maritime capabilities to the Royal Thai Navy’s 2nd phase frigate acquisition programme, which is expected in 2026.
A representative of the British Embassy Bangkok commented:
“We are delighted to attend the signing of this MOU, which advances UK and South Korean defence cooperation and underscores our commitment to advancing forward-thinking defence capabilities. The Cohort plc and Hanwha Ocean MoU also highlights the UK’s innovative defence sector and will drive deeper co-operation, growth and job creation”.
Broader UK Defence Engagement in Thailand
The UK delegation at Defence & Security 2025 was led by His Majesty’s Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding OBE, with a prominent UK Pavilion jointly organised by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). The pavilion, which proudly hosted Thailand’s Minister of Defence and a wide range of Thailand’s military leadership, featured BAE Systems and eight other UK defence companies showcasing advanced land, air and naval technologies, including:
- Counter-UAS systems
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Advanced radar systems
- Naval combat systems
This engagement builds on the Thai–UK MOU on Defence Cooperation, signed in 2022, which provides a framework for closer collaboration between the Royal Armed Forces of both nations.
Thailand’s defence modernisation continues to gain momentum through key international partnerships. In September 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) signed a contract for one Airbus A330 MRTT+ aircraft, becoming the launch customer for this next-generation variant based on the A330neo.
In July 2025, the first phase of the Saab Gripen campaign concluded in Stockholm, with RTAF Commander-in-Chief Air Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul signing a contract for four of twelve planned Gripen E/F fighters. Featuring a large UK supply chain (35-40%), these aircraft will replace ageing F-16s and are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2034.
This milestone reflected a two-year joint campaign between the UK, Thailand, and Sweden, led by British Embassy Bangkok and supported by senior UK government officials, including former Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The agreement includes technology transfer and industrial cooperation, enhancing Thailand’s national defence capabilities and supporting regional stability.
About ASEAN Defence & Security Thailand 2025
Held biennially at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, ASEAN Defence & Security Thailand is the region’s premier tri-service defence and security event. The 2025 edition brings together over 500 global exhibitors and 20,000 professionals, showcasing the latest military and security technologies. This year, the event also welcomed over 289 high-level delegates from 40 official delegations representing 27 countries. Under the theme “The Power of Partnerships,” the exhibition highlighted the importance of international collaboration in shaping the future of defence and security across the region.
About Cohort
Cohort plc, headquartered in Reading, Berkshire, is a leading UK-based defence and security group. Through its seven specialist businesses—Chess, EID, ELAC SONAR, MASS, MCL, SEA, and EMS—the Group delivers innovative products and services to British and international customers. Cohort combines the agility of SME-sized companies with the strength of a supportive group structure, providing strategic guidance, financial oversight, and collaboration opportunities while preserving entrepreneurial spirit. The Group employs around 1,000 staff across the UK, Germany, and Portugal.
About Hanwha
Hanwha Ocean, part of the Hanwha Group, is a global leader in shipbuilding and offshore engineering. Headquartered in Geoje, South Korea, the company operates one of the world’s largest shipyards and delivers advanced vessels and energy infrastructure for international markets. Its portfolio includes LNG carriers, naval ships, and floating production units, alongside innovations in clean energy and eco-friendly propulsion. With over 50 years of expertise, Hanwha Ocean is driving future-ready solutions across defence, energy, and maritime sectors.
