Thailand Develops New 4x4 Tactical Vehicle

The TR Transformer II 4x4 pickup passenger vehicle (PPV) is now being acquired by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, with an example appearing at Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 in Thailand in February.

The TR Transformer II, produced by Thai Rung Union Car, utilises the chassis of the Toyota Hilux Revo. So far, the Thai military has acquired a number of Transformer I and II vehicles to replace ageing M151 4x4 vehicles.

Production of the Transformer I began in 2011, while the commercial Transformer II appeared in 2015. Such locally produced vehicles have a lower price than imported units (at THB1,635,000 or $54,500 each), and the Royal Thai Armed Forces currently have more than 1,000 PPVs from various companies in service.

Its engine is a 177hp Toyota 1GD-FTV 16-valve unit that displaces 2,755cc with turbo and intercooler. The TR Transformer II iMT version used by the military has a 6-speed manual gearbox, and it can reach a maximum speed of 160km/h.

The air-conditioned vehicle weighs 2,070kg, and an 80-litre fuel capacity gives a 726km range. It can seat from 5-11 passengers.

The multipurpose TR Transformer II can be modified for explosive ordnance disposal, communications, UAV operators, field medical functions, search and rescue or VIP transport.

Since the Transformer II uses a commercial chassis and engine, it is easily maintained at any Toyota service centre in Thailand.

Thai Rung Union Car has sold more than 400 PPVs to civilian and military users in Thailand, and it has begun exports to ASEAN. Malaysia and Sri Lanka have bought about 200 units, plus a prototype was sent to Singapore for evaluations. The latter requires about 1,000 units of this type of vehicle, and a competition will begin this year.

MCOT - Thailand Army VT4 Main Battle Tank Launched

Royal Thailand Army Day

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s first two T-50TH are on their way home, currently in Taiwan

The first two T-50TH jet trainers for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) are on their way back home. Sources in Taiwan said the two jets arrived in Kaohsiung Siaogang Airport, Taiwan around 3pm local time on Jan. 8. They are expected to depart for Thailand after an overnight stay in Taiwan.

RTAF Demonstrates The LITENING Pod

RTAF demonstrates the LITENING pod along with the GBU-12 laser-guided bomb on board the Gripen fighter during the air operation demonstration in the annual Aerial Weaponry Competition. The LITENING pod was ordered for the Gripen at the same time with the Sniper AT that would be equipped on F-16.

LITENING is a high-performance targeting pod that capable to equip on board various platform. It is reported that RTAF has 6 pods on their inventory.

Thailand Start Testing VT-4 MBT

New VT4 tanks of Royal Thai Army during live-fire military exercise

The Royal Thai Army has released pictures of its recently delivered Norinco-made VT4 main battle tanks (MBT) during live-fire military exercise.

Since that time, the Royal Thai Army has received the first batch of 28 VT4 main battle tanks (MBT) produced by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).  The procurement of the 28 Chinese tanks was approved early last year.

According to Bangkok Post, the tanks were commissioned at the 3rd Cavalry Division at the Prem Tinsulanonda Military Camp in Khon Kaen’s Nam Phong after the completion of the inspection.

VT4 is a Chinese third generation main battle tank built by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) for overseas export. It is an upgraded variant of the MBT2000 (VT-1) and the latest tank model from the Type 90-II tank family.

5 More OPLOT-T Tanks Delivered to Thailand

Unofficial photos On December 10, 2017, five main battle tanks OPLOT-T for the Royal Thai Army which was sent from Ukraine have arrived in Thailand.

With the five tanks that sent to the Thai authorities, the total of the main battle tanks OPLOT-T received at this time was 36, from 49, still remaining 13.

The last of the 13 tanks already just wait for the official representative of Thailand to check. When the process is complete, Ukraine will deliver the remaining 13 OPLOT-T main battle tanks to the Thai authorities.

Royal Thailand Navy Ship 91: to build a dream

RTAF is Deploying the Indigenous-Developed U-1 UAV

RTAF put the full system of RTAF U-1 on display at Defense and Security 2017. Overall configuration is resembled the R V Connex's Sky Scout configuration with some notable different such as winglet. RTAF ordered 17 U-1 from the assemble-partner R V Connex

The ground control station will be built from the second-hand container. Design by R V Connex, the station features 3 consoles as well as directional and omnidirectional antenna.

RTAF also put forward the research and development of Tigershark - now a technology demonstration platform - into the last step of its 20 years UAV development master plan that will include the study in the armed variant of the UAV before moving into the development of MALE UAV.

Defense and Security Thailand 2017 Bangkok international military and defense industry

Participants of ASEAN International Fleet Review 2017

Defense and Security Thailand 2017 Bangkok

Defense and Security Thailand 2017 exhibition Bangkok

China to Build Maintenance Centre in Thailand

China is moving forward with plans to build a repair and maintenance centre in Thailand, following October’s delivery of VT4 main battle tanks. This will create a more flexible solution for the maintenance of Chinese weapons in Thailand.

The initial plan to build this facility was started by Chinese technicians and engineers sent to Thailand. Following delivery the first batch of VT4s by Norinco, a total of 437 different spare parts were despatched for initial maintenance as part of a one-year deal, as well as the need to guarantee spares, technical service and repair support for 25+ years.

The process will be to first stock spare parts for the VT4s and VN1 8x8 APCs, as well as spares for other military hardware from China in the future.

Since 1987, when the Thai military started procuring lower-cost Chinese weaponry, it has been routinely difficult to obtain spare parts and to perform maintenance. This forced some systems temporarily out of service.

To resolve these issues after Thailand ordered and imported a lot of military hardware from China in the past five years, China offered the option of establishing such a joint military facility in Thailand. A local repair and maintenance centre will benefit equipment support in the future.

Apart from setting up the centre, some technologies will be transferred too. This is a key component of Chinese arms sales to Thailand as it will eventually enhance self-reliance.

Earlier, Ukraine, who supplied BTR-3E1s and Oplot-M tanks to Thailand, also reached an agreement to build a military production facility there.

Deputy Minister of Defence Gen Udomdej Sitabutr commented, ‘Cooperation with an allied country to build a military production facility is essential because, in the future, when some military hardware from that country is out of service, equipment will need to be repaired and maintained. If that can be done by ourselves, or some key spare parts can be built ourselves, then we can save a lot of budget to solve those issues.’

KAI hopes to sell 4 more T-50THs to Thailand

At the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX), an executive from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) told Jane’s the company is keen to start talks with Thailand for a third batch of T-50TH trainers.

Thai Army Chief Decommissioned Airship

Army commander-in-chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart said on Thursday a Bt350-million surveillance airship had been officially decommissioned after the airship reached its expiration date.

Army commander-in-chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart said on Thursday a Bt350-million surveillance airship had been officially decommissioned after the airship reached its expiration date. Chalermchai was replying to reporters at the Army’s Command and General Staff College after being asked to comment on criticism about alleged wasteful spending on Army procurements for equipment that proved to be of limited value. Chalermchai said the airship had reached the end of its term of operations because it was made of canvas, but the accompanying surveillance camera system could still be used. However, the Army did not plan to buy a new airship to replace the old one. The Army chief said the surveillance camera system would be dismounted from the airship and installed on another aircraft based on a decision by the forward command of the Internal Security Operations Command Area 4. The forward command was studying the issue in detail, Chalermchai said, adding that it would be unsafe to the airship at present. “Its usage will have to be modified because the expensive part was the camera system,” Chalermchai said.

“No new airship will be bought, but we will adjust the use of the camera system, as it is expensive and the brains of the surveillance system. Now we are testing it on another aircraft.” Asked whether decommissioning marked the end of the airship monitoring programme in the southern border provinces, Chalermchai replied: “Yes. But other parts can be used on another aircraft.” The Army chief added that the trailer truck that hauled the aircraft would be sold in an auction to be held by the Army Transport Department to benefit the Army. He said it would be a waste to leave the trailer unused. Asked whether the surveillance airship project had been a “complete waste”, Chalermchai said it had still been functioning when he carried operations in the deep South in 2011. Critics have said the airship was a graphic example of wasteful military procurement, exemplified by the purchase of handheld bomb detectors from Britain that proved to be useless. The airship project had a total budget of Bt350 million. The airship cost Bt260 million while the camera system, ground support equipment and other expenses cost Bt90 million.

The airship was commissioned in 2009 but it suffered a leak and was required to be refilled with expensive helium, so it was subsequently stored in a hangar at the 15th Infantry Division in Pattani’s Nong Chik district. When Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha was Army chief, the Army hired a firm to provide maintenance for the airship for Bt50 million a year, after which it was subsequently used sporadically.  However, there was additional criticism that the airship flew lower than was safe, making it an easy target, so it was eventually put in storage again until its term of operations expired.

Royal Thailand Air Force - T-50TH Made The First Flight

RTAF T-50TH made the first flight earlier this month at the KAI facility in South Korea.

Out of the requirement of 16 aircraf, RTAF order 4 T-50THs and the follow on order of 8 aircraft was confirmed in this fiscal year.

T-50TH is close to FA-50 in term of configuration with the BVR capability and datalink. RTAF will deploy the aircraft in the LIFT and attack mission.

At the factory of KAI manufacturer in South Korea The Royal Thai Air Force has provided four T-50THs in the first lot and added 8 more in the 2016 year with 16 requests to replace the L-39ZA/ART in the 401 Squadron. 

Production and Testing of the VT4 MBT of the Royal Thai Army at Norinco China

A special documentary of CCTV in China, broadcast on July 28th. Reported on the development of China's new main tank on the occasion of the People's Liberation Army Day on August 1, the CCTV special report released the production line. Road and terrain testing Include the test of artillery tank of the main tank. VT4 (MBT-3000) manufactured by Norinco plant in China.

It is known that the main VT4 Chinese tank is the export customer country 28 cars in the amount of Baht 4,984 million contracted in the year 2016 and the second set of 11 cars, about 2 billion baht in the fiscal year 2017. As seen in the documentary footage, it is seen that the main VT4 tank in dark green primer composition was completed, tested in terrain and tested the artillery tank and then reached the 16th car by installing the latest vehicle prototype systems. For example, a Heavy Weapon Station, and at least one tank with a three-color camouflage like the Woodland NATO, which corresponds to the information that the unit was supposed to destroy. The 6th Cavalry Battalion 6th Cavalry Regiment 3rd Cavalry Brigade

The VT4 main tank system shown in the image is very modern. By the station, the commanding officer and the gunner station had a color display. Equipped with the Battlefield Management System, the same level as the new mainstream tanks, the M1A2, Leopard 2A7, Leclerc and T-90MS, etc. (with or without the same level of performance). With production rates such as those shown in the documentary, it is possible that China will be able to deliver its first VT4 main tank to the Army. Thailand this year and the technology transfer, which is faster and more modern than the mainstream Oplot tank from Ukraine, which was provided before.

Since being given the first car of the year 2014, the 2nd Cavalry Battalion The Oplot maintains 25 main infantry divisions, which also replace the main M48A5. It also includes the M60A3 Main Tank upgrade by the Israeli Elbit Systems Company of the 5th Cavalry Battalion, the 2nd Cavalry Corps, which is equipped with a color display for shooting in the car.
To be upgrade with the budget is available 2014 is now the 2nd Cavalry Battalion. The Oplot maintains 25 main infantry divisions, which also replace the main M48A5. It also includes the M60A3 main battle tank of the 5th Cavalry Battalion,upgrade by the Israeli company Elbit Systems in the 2nd Cavalry Corps, which is equipped with a color display for shooting in the car. To be upgrade when budget is available.

Thai's T-50TH will be Equipped with ELTA Radars

Thailand to Buy T-50TH Aircraft with ELTA Radars

Thailand will acquire eight KAI T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea. The aircraft will replace the Royal Thai Air Force’s fleet of 40 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA/ART Albatros.

Thailand’s military government has approved the acquisition of eight KAI T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea, adding to four aircraft it acquired in 2015.

The $258 million deal will be paid over a three-year period, according to Air Vice Marshal Pongsak Semachai.

Designated T-50TH, the aircraft will replace the Royal Thai Air Force’s fleet of 40 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA/ART Albatros in the training and combat roles. The first four aircraft expected to be delivered by March 2018.

According to specifications released by KAI, the T-50TH will be fully combat capable, being fitted with fire control radar – expected to be the ELTA EL/M-2032 – MIL-STD-1760 databus and will have provision for the Link 16 data link.

Thailand Interested in Buying Armored Cars, Rifles

Thailand has shown interest in buying Korea's armored cars and rifles, defense officials here said Wednesday.

Bangkok has already purchased a 3,650-ton frigate made by Daewoo Shipbuilding, which will be delivered to the Royal Thai Navy next year. The country also signed a deal in September 2015 with Korea Aerospace Industries to buy four T-50TH supersonic trainer jets to replace their Czech Republic-made L39 trainer jets.

Defense officials and scientists from Thailand are visiting Korea as part of their efforts to explore defense industries and organizations.

During their four-day visit that began Monday, Thai officials from the Defense Science and Technology Department (DSTD), led by Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Sombat Prasankasem, and scientists from the Defense Technology Institute (DTI) toured Korea's defense companies, including Poongsan and S&T Motiv.

Poongsan produces ammunition, while S&T Motiv manufactures rifles and machineguns, such as the K-2 and K-12.

The DSTD, part of Thailand's defense ministry, is in charge of defense technology and quality control. The DTI is the ministry-affiliated center that leads research and development and testing and evaluation.

Thai officials and scientists also visited the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ) on Tuesday to learn about Korea's procedures to standardize and guarantee the quality of military supplies and materials.

"The visit took place at the request of Thailand which is seeking to enhance technology cooperation with Korea," the DTaQ said. "The DTaQ explained to Thai officials using examples of standardization and quality assurance of military supplies. The DTaQ also showed them its test facilities."