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.

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.

Defense and Security Thailand 2017 Bangkok

Defense and Security Thailand 2017 exhibition Bangkok

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.

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.

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."

Thai Cabinet Approves B8.8bn Purchase of Eight More S.Korean Fighters

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Bt8.8-billion purchase of eight T-50TH Golden Eagle fighter training aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea, which the military said would not be too much of a burden on the national budget.

The purchase of the aircraft brings the total value of military hardware bought under the ruling junta since the coup of 2014 to a total of Bt 72.7 billion.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said the new pilot trainers will replace the retiring, out-of-date fleet of L-39ZA/ART jets from Czechoslovakia, which have been in use for more than two decades and have high maintenance costs.

The new aircraft are being bought to keep up with the modern technology of the Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen aircraft that the Air Force currently uses, Prayut said.

“It will only bring more damage if we provide insufficient training [to pilots],” Prayut said. “Also, I assure you that we are not bound by any party when it comes to hardware purchase.”

The Thai Air Force also uses an upgraded version of the F-16 A/B fighting jets from the United States.

Air Force sources said that the South Korean aircraft’s features are similar to the F-16 fighters but they are less expensive.

The purchase would be done in a government-to-government deal, according to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. “The deal will be done transparently,” he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

Documents and details on the Cabinet’s approval were not revealed as they were marked confidential, a usual practice when the government considers procurement of military hardware.

The new procurement constitutes the second batch of T-50THs. The Air Force signed a Bt3.7-billion contract with KAI to buy four T-50THs in September 2015, with delivery due in 2018.

Thailand’s First Win MPV Secures New Deal

Thai military vehicle manufacturer Chaiseri has secured an order from the military government’s Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to supply an updated version of its 4x4 First Win multipurpose vehicle (MPV).

The contract – the latest in a series of military vehicle contracts in Thailand – comprises 13 vehicles, which will be used by ISOC in security and paramilitary applications, Jane’s understands. The vehicles supplied to the ISOC will be designated First Win 2, an updated version of the original platform featuring additional protection systems.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

The vehicle is already in operation with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and Thailand’s Ministry of Justice’s Department of Special Investigation.

Royal Thai Navy Lays Keel for Second OPV

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has laid down the keel for its second 90 m offshore patrol vessel (OPV), which it is building in collaboration with BAE Systems.

The keel laying ceremony was held on 23 June at the RTN’s Mahidol Adulyadej Naval Dockyard in Sattahip, Chonburi, a facility managed by state-owned company Bangkok Dock.

The OPV, based on BAE Systems’ River-class platform, is scheduled to be launched in 2018. The RTN’s first OPV, HTMS Krabi , was commissioned in August 2013 and also built at the Mahidol Adulyadej dockyard through co-operation with BAE Systems.

Jane’s understands that the RTN has a total requirement for six OPVs of the type.

The RTN acquired the design of the OPV from BAE Systems in 2009, with the UK group also signing a contract to support the construction of the second OPV in February 2016.At the keel laying ceremony, the RTN said that the building of the second OPV will consist of two phases and have a total budget of THB5.5 billion (USD170 million).

Phase one runs from 2015 to 2018 and is allocated THB2.85 billion. It includes the construction of the platform, and the procurement of machinery, materials, logistics support, and technical services. Phase two – allocated THB2.65 billion – includes the procurement of command, surveillance, and weapon control systems and stretches from 2016 to 2018.

The OPV, which has an overall beam of 13.5 m, a draught of 3.5 m, and a top speed of 25 kt, will be fitted with a combat, navigation, and communication suite provided by Thales and Boeing’s Harpoon surface-to-surface guided weapon system.

DTI - Thailand Domestically Built 8X8 Armoured Wheeled Vehicle Testing

PANUS New Phantom 380-X1 4×4 MRAP

The PHANTOM 380-X or Cobra 4X4 rubber-wheeled vehicle was built in Thailand by D-Corps Asia.

Structure under the car Can withstand explosion level 4B. Mobility on the road in terrain.

A versatile 4×4 armored vehicle for reconnaissance in hazardous areas. You can carry 11 soldiers, including 1 pilot and 1 unit commander.

Cummins 380 Euro 3 engine.Type 6 cylinder turbo 380 horsepower torque at 1835 NM at 1200 rpm, capacity 10.8 liters GVW19000KG 6-speed automatic transmission

100 amp x 2 alternating current, 150 amp x 6 24V, max speed 110 km / h

Car Dimension: 8315mm wide, 2500mm high, 3200mm

Thailand to buy Chinese Submarines - S26T (Type 039A submarine ‎Diesel-electric, 1 shaft, AIP)

Decided on board the Thai aircraft carrier - HTMS Chakri Naruebet

Thai Aviation Services Tapped for Sikorsky Service Centre

US-BASED SIKORSKY plans to expand support services for its S-92 and S-76 helicopters in the Asia-Pacific region, with Thai Aviation Services scheduled to become the first Sikorsky support centre in Thailand by the end of 2017.


Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, made the announcement at the inaugural 2017 Rotorcraft Asia show.
“This decision further exemplifies Sikorsky’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and to our continued focus on customer support excellence,” said Christophe Nurit, Sikorsky’s regional sales executive for Asia. “As the preferred service centre in Thailand, Thai Aviation Services will provide a critical role in offering the highest level of support for Sikorsky helicopters in a strategically important region.Craig Havas, Thai Aviation Services deputy managing director, operations, and S-92 chief pilot, said: “Thai Aviation Services has a long-standing partnership with Sikorsky over the past 25 years. We look forward to expanding this partnership through the designation as a customer support centre and putting our extensive experience operating Sikorsky aircraft to use for the benefit of supporting all Sikorsky aircraft operating in the Asia Pacific region.”

Customer support centres enable quick access to Sikorsky logistics and spare parts inventory for operators while providing advanced service capabilities, the company said. This support centre will represent Sikorsky’s seventh in the Asia-Pacific region and add to the growing network of 20 such Sikorsky centres worldwide.

In addition to authorised support centres, Sikorsky’s customer support organisation maintains four forward-stocking locations in S-92 and S-76 fleet-concentrated regions and fields more than 100 customer service representatives, all connected through Sikorsky’s customer care centre in Trumbull, Connecticut.
Thai Aviation Services operates only Sikorsky helicopters and recently renewed its existing fleet of commercial helicopters with five S-76D medium lift and two S-92 heavy-lift aircraft. (photo : TAS)

Sikorsky and Thai Aviation Services have done business together for more than 25 years. Thai Aviation Services operates only Sikorsky helicopters and recently renewed its existing fleet of commercial helicopters with five S-76D medium lift and two S-92 heavy lift aircraft. These aircraft enable the Bangkok-based operator to continue its track record of providing reliable helicopter transport to oil and gas customers in the Gulf of Thailand.

PM Confirms Thai Navy to Get Three Chinese Submarines

It’s finally Chinese submarines for Thailand. But the government would pay for only two as the third one was “a free gift”, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha revealed at his weekly press briefing yesterday.

The announcement by the PM ends a wait of over two decades for the Navy.

Thailand had four submarines in 1937, the first country in Asean to have submarines and only the second in Asia.

Made in Japan, they became damaged over time and were beyond repair. Following the defeat of Japan in World War II, the submarines were discharged in 1951.

Since then, Thailand has never had any submarines. The Thai Navy revived its quest for some submarines to be deployed in the Thai waters, especially in the Gulf of Thailand, in 1995.

Several western countries – Germany, Sweden, France – and Russia were eager to offer new submarines at good prices, but the Navy’s dream was hampered by budget shortage and political problems.

In 2010, the Navy made another try, eyeing six submarines from Germany, though they were second hand. The Navy then readjusted the plan, eyeing one brand new submarine from either Germany or South Korea, but even that bid was suspended.

It was only when the current military government took power in 2014 that the Navy felt itself closer to realising its dream.

The three submarines are Yuan Class S26 T, which have been developed exclusively for Thailand based on China’s Yuan Class Type 039 A.

They would be nearly 78 metres long and 9 metres wide, equipped with the latest technology AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) system, that would allow them to dive consecutively up to 21 days without surfacing. Normal nuclear-based submarines can dive around seven to 10 days.

The deal would cost Thailand Bt3.6 billion.

Sensing the criticism of the Navy’s obsession with acquiring submarines, Prayut urged the public to understand why the country needed the subs, and that too from China.

“The submarines from China are the cheapest with the quality relatively acceptable. It has also offered services after purchase, something extra that we have received. I asked my Deputy Prime Minister Prawit [Wongsuwan], and he is ready for any examination of their worthiness.

“We are not rich, and we don’t have much money to spend [on them]. We cannot build them on our own so we have to buy them from others,” said Prayut.

Thai, Korea, US Marines Conduct Massive Amphibious Landing Exercise

Thailand would to Buy 12 Mi-17 Helicopters

Thailand said it would purchase 12 transport helicopters Mi-17V5 from Russia to replace the CH-47D Chinook of US-made.

This information is commanding the Royal Thai Army, General Thirachay Nakvanit said in a seminar on Implementing defense industry cooperation between Russia and Thailand capital Bangkok took place at the end of last January.

Once you've used a number of Russian helicopters, Thailand wants to buy helicopters Mi-17V5 Russia, first of all to carry out remedial works to natural disasters and emergencies, as well as to ensure the deployment of troops.

Thirachay Nakvanit minister said Thai Army budget request sent to the Cabinet, based on the price of Russian helicopters. The general also said that Russian aircraft had very good features, durable, cheap, easy repair and maintenance.

Under the plan, Russia and Thailand will sign a number of documents concerning bilateral cooperation, including the Protocol on cooperation in military-technical. It is known that in addition to helicopters Mi-17V5, the contract negotiations and sale of equipment for ground forces in Thailand are also being conducted.

Army Commander of Thailand, said he personally very supportive of the idea of ​​buying the weapons, vehicles and military equipment of the Russian Federation. The two countries are discussing the military contract new equipment needed, including for the air force and the army.

He noted that Thailand has begun using several helicopters purchased in Russia and believes that Thailand has the need to develop the defense industry and will bring benefits to Russia if the building cooperation in the field of production.

Thailand Aims to Operate Fleet of Three Submarines by 2026

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has outlined a requirement to operationalise its planned fleet of three submarines by 2026, and is currently in the process of submitting this proposal to the country's military government.

The matter was disclosed by Captain Prawoot Rodmanee, chief of the RTN's submarine squadron, during his presentation at UDT Asia 2017 in Singapore on 17 January. The captain was giving a brief on the RTN's plans for the future, including updates to the service's plans to establish a submarine fleet.

Thailand is largely believed to be acquiring the S26T (Thailand) diesel-electric submarine (SSK), a modified export version of the Yuan-class (Type 041) platform from China.

Thai Navy to Retire Ratcharit-, Prabparapak-Class Missile Boats Over Next 10 Years

The Royal Thai Navy will retire its entire fleet of missile-capable patrol boats by 2026. Service is eyeing larger platforms such as LPDs and frigates in the coming years.

As part of its efforts to prepare the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for future maritime security challenges, the service will progressively decommission its Ratcharit and Prabparapak classes of missile-armed patrol boats by 2026.

The vessels, which have been in service since the 1970s, are now less relevant given the rise of asymmetric security challenges, such as maritime terrorism and piracy, said Captain Prawoot Rodmanee, chief of the RTN's submarine squadron, during his presentation at UDT Asia 2017 in Singapore on 17 January.