HTMS Chakri Naruebet underway in the South China Sea in early 2001
HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the first aircraft carrier and the only Thai-owned ship built by the Spanish Izar (formerly EN Bazan) for the Royal Thai Navy (Royal Thai Navy / RTN). In February 2005, Izar shipyard Navantia again changed its name.
Under a contract signed by Spain and Thailand in July 1992, the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet made in El Ferrol shipyard Navantia in Spain and Thailand were assigned to the Navy in March 1997. With a design similar to the Spanish aircraft carrier Principe de Asturias, the aircraft carrier deck equipped with a "ski jump" to 12 degrees to allow similar Harrier fighter aircraft takes off.
The main function of this carrier Thailand is monitoring the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and protection missions, search and rescue, but can also be used as command and control and air support for the fleet of warships.