HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH-911) is the flagship of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and Thailand's first and only aircraft carrier.
Based on the Spanish Navy's Príncipe de Asturias design and constructed by Spanish shipbuilder Bazán, Chakri Naruebet was ordered in 1992, laid down in 1994, launched in 1996, and commissioned into the RTN in 1997.
The aircraft carrier was designed to operate a ex-Spanish AV-8S Matador Harrier V/STOL aircraft.
The Thai Navy had from the start significant logistical problems keeping the Matadors operational due to a shortage of funds for spare parts and equipment, leaving only a few Harriers serviceable at a time. In 1999, two years after being delivered, only one airframe was in airworthy condition.
Her entire Harrier V/STOL jet fleet was removed from service in 2006.
[ Ссылка ]
