The vehicles passed a series of tests conducted by the Royal Thai Navy and were deployed to the RTMC’s Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion in Sattahip, about 116 miles (187 kilometers) away from Bangkok. 

This delivery is part of the 448 million Thai baht ($13.5 million) contract signed in August 2023 for the vehicle’s development, construction, testing, and delivery scheduled within one year. 

Chaiseri AWAVs

Powered by a 711 hp engine, the amphibious vehicle has a maximum speed of 105 kilometers (65.2 miles) per hour on land and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) per hour on water, with a combat range of 600 kilometers (372.8 miles). 

Each AWAV is equipped with the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering’s Guardian 1.5 Remote Weapon Station, which operates a 12.7 mm machine gun.

Additionally, it has 76 mm smoke grenade launchers as secondary armaments. 

It has a ballistic protection level of STANAG 4569 Level 3 and Level 3a/3b for mine protection to withstand threats in hostile environments. 

Each AWAV is 9.2 meters long (30.2 feet), 3 meters tall (9.8 feet), 3.1 meters wide (10.2 feet), and around 25.7 tons.

It can carry 11 troops, plus a crew of three comprising a gunner, commander, and driver.

The vehicles were developed based on the prototype model unveiled at the Defense & Security 2023 exhibition in Bangkok and will serve in the RTMC’s current fleet together with its other amphibious platforms. 

The post Thai Marines Receive Seven Amphibious Vehicles From Chaiseri appeared first on The Defense Post.

The University of Washington’s Milgard Women’s Institute led the discussions focused on strategies for building networks and mentorship. These discussions also addressed how to navigate unconscious bias in a male-dominated workplace.

Participants toured several installations as part of the program, including the 194th Wing and 194th Air Support Operations Group, the 10th Civil Support Team at Camp Murray, the Western Air Defense Sector at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the 141st Air Refueling Wing.

For their part, RTAF officers presented on the role women play in their respective air force and other areas of opportunity. 

“Women bring a unique perspective and leadership style to the military as well as a distinct way of solving problems,” said US Air Force Col. and Director of Staff Carrie Wentzel.

“This foundation will allow us to develop initiatives and strategies to remove barriers and empower females in our respective militaries,” Wentzel added. 

RTAF Squadron Leader Karnchanok “Maestro” Chunyaruck, a C130 pilot and one of only seven female RTAF pilots, explained that this engagement can widen opportunities for women in the RTAF. 

“We also have many, many talented [non-commissioned officers] but they just don’t have the chance,” she said. “This good beginning might be a good initiative that we can bring back and let those females have the opportunity like us to improve themselves, improve the Royal Thai Air Force.” 

US-Thailand Relations

This engagement is part of the US Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program designed for capacity-building with partner nations’ national guard members for future missions. 

The WA ANG and RTAF began their State Partnership Program relationship in 2002. 

Additionally, 2024 marks the 191st year of the military and economic alliance between the US and Thailand.

The post Washington Air National Guard, Thai Air Force Strengthen Ties Through Female Leadership Engagement appeared first on The Defense Post.

The test, conducted at a tactical training ground in the eastern province of Prachinburi, saw the vehicle prototype perform various tasks, including slope climbing, obstacle crossing, and cargo and personnel transport.

It also demonstrated its ability to traverse rough, muddy, watery, and sandy terrains.

สถาบันเทคโนโลยีป้องกันประเทศ โดยโครงการยานเกราะล้อยางได้นำโครงการวิจัยและพัฒนาต้นแบบรถบรรทุกทางทหาร 4X4 ชนิดช่วงล่างอิสระ(Swing Semi-Axles) เข้าทดสอบและประเมินผลโครงการฯ ณ สนามฝึกทางยุทธวิธี กองพลทหารราบที่ 2 รักษาพระองค์และสนามฝึกขับและทดสอบยานพาหนะ กรมการขนส่งทหารบก จ.กาญจนบุรี pic.twitter.com/r5FAmnFMpO

— DTI Thailand (@DTIThailand) September 16, 2024

According to the DTI, the vehicle “was able to perform missions in all terrain conditions,” which enabled it to pass the test successfully.

The 4×4 truck will now await necessary certification before moving to initial production and fielding.

Features

Domestically built by DTI, the transport vehicle is based on the 815-7 heavy military truck from Czech firm Tatra.

It features a trapezoidal and hemispherical rear cargo compartment, which provides enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices.

It is also equipped with light armor to withstand small-caliber bullets.

The truck reportedly boasts an independent suspension system for improved handling and stability.

Once in service, the vehicle is expected to complement other 4×4 vehicles in the Royal Thai Army inventory, such as the German UNIMOG U1100 L/29 with a 1.25-ton capacity and the Japanese Isuzu FTS 33 H2E with a larger 2.5-ton capacity.

The post Royal Thai Army Tests Domestic 4×4 Military Truck Prototype appeared first on The Defense Post.

A procurement committee weighed the choice for 10 months before deciding the JAS 39 Gripen E/F was the most suitable, the Royal Thai Air Force said in a statement issued Tuesday.

“We have considered this purchase very carefully so that we can make the most out of it to defend our country for at least another 30 years,” it said.

The Gripen “can respond to the Thai air force’s strategic principles and collaborate with other security forces,” the statement added.

Lockheed Martin’s latest F-16s are still under consideration, with the final decision resting with the Thai government.

The Gripens would replace F-16 A/B jets bought in the late 1980s.

No details were given on how many Gripens Thailand might buy, but reports in specialist defense media outlets earlier this year suggested the kingdom was eyeing around a dozen.

Thailand currently operates 11 older Gripens as well as dozens of F-16s.

Gripen manufacturer Saab welcomed the statement.

“We can confirm the fact that the Thai Air Force has publicly confirmed that they would like to purchase the Gripen. This is a very positive news for Saab and Sweden,” Mattias Radstrom, press manager for Saab, told AFP.

“At this stage, there is no contract or order. We are looking forward to continuing the discussion with the Thai Air Force and the Thai authorities.”

The post Thailand Favors Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets Over F-16s appeared first on The Defense Post.

According to local media reports, Beijing is offering an assault weapon with key modifications to meet the operational needs of the Royal Thai Army.

It will be chambered in the widely-used 5.56×45-millimeter NATO caliber, aligning it with available ammunition in Thailand.

The Chinese rifle is also reported to offer superior performance compared to the M4 and M16A4 weapons currently in service with the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Once delivered, the QBZ-195T will be distributed to the country’s special operations units to support a variety of missions.

A Strategic Approach?

The military’s decision to procure a Chinese rifle is seen as a strategic approach to avoiding reliance on a few suppliers.

Its small arms inventory already includes weapons from the US and Israel, and adding a Chinese-made weapon could help the Royal Thai Army maintain its versatility.

The country’s special forces reportedly approve of the QBZ-195T as their new assault rifle, thanks to its modularity, ergonomic improvements, and customization options.

The weapon is also compatible with various accessories that are already in the Thai military inventory, such as optics, lasers, and grenade launchers.

Once deployed, the QBZ-195T is expected to bolster the operational efficiency of the Thai special forces in diverse combat scenarios.

The post Thailand to Become First Export Customer of China’s QBZ-195T Rifles appeared first on The Defense Post.

The initiative is a response to modern information and cyber-threats targeting international defense partners, Bangkok-based news agency The Nation reported.

The decision was made by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and announced by Political Affairs Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub during a council meeting.

Jirayu mentioned that the upcoming cyber-command unit will be supported by other segments under Thailand’s armed forces, an update from The Bangkok Post stated.

Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Commander-in-Chief Gen. Songwit Noonphakdi will lead related projects to the center’s completion.

Once operational, the cyber arm will be headed by a lieutenant general and managed by teams sourced from the government’s Royal Development Projects and Security Coordination Center (RDPSCC).

Meanwhile, the new RDPSCC chief will take on the role of a major general, with the office to be transferred under the RTARF’s Armed Forces Development Command.

Major Cyber Transition

Jirayu noted at the council assembly that other efforts will be conducted in line with the Cyber Command Center program “by means of restructuring.”

Part of this is the transfer of the air force’s cyber center to the defense ministry’s Department of Information and Technology Communications and the launch of an electronic warfare division under the navy.

Additionally, the government will work on competency programs to produce and upskill cyber officers associated with these transitions.

Jirayu said that some RTARF personnel had already been sent to leading countries for the purpose.

For in-country training sessions, students will be assisted by the private sector, educational institutions, and other security agencies.

These preparations are expected to deliver 300 to 500 skilled personnel per year, according to the spokesperson.

The post Thailand to Open Cyber Command Center in October appeared first on The Defense Post.

In October 2023, the Thai Ministry of Defense said it would no longer acquire the S26T Yuan-class submarine due to Beijing’s inability to integrate a German-made diesel engine.

Because Berlin does not permit the export of submarine engines to China, the developer offered the Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engine instead but the Thai government refused.

Following a recent visit by Chinese military and shipbuilding personnel to Bangkok, the defense ministry has decided to reverse its earlier decision and “agree in principle” to proceed with the S26T purchase.

The submarine will now be delivered with a Chinese-made engine despite previous opposition from the Thai government.

Compromise

Thailand’s already troubled submarine program is poised to hit further challenges as deliveries are not expected until 2027.

The CHD620 engine has not been used in any submarine, including those in China’s fleet, so testing in Thai waters is likely to take some time.

However, Beijing is making an important compromise by providing Bangkok with a submarine simulator and necessary spare parts.

Once delivered, the Yuan-class attack submarine will be Thailand’s first in over six decades, bolstering its maritime capabilities.

Previously, the Southeast Asian nation wanted three submarines for $1.05 billion, but budget constraints only allowed it to procure one for $403 million.

The post Thailand Reverses Decision on Canceled Chinese Submarine Procurement appeared first on The Defense Post.

“We took [Myanmar military battalion] 275 at 10 pm last night,” Padoh Saw Taw Nee, a spokesman for the Karen National Union, told AFP, adding 200 or so soldiers had withdrawn to a bridge that connects Myawaddy to the Thai border town of Mae Sot.

A Thai border official told AFP the town of Myawaddy had “fallen” on Wednesday night, requesting anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to the media.

AFP cannot independently verify the KNU claim as reporters are unable to access Myawaddy.

Days of fighting around the trade hub of Myawaddy near the Myanmar-Thailand border saw hundreds of people queuing on Wednesday to cross into the kingdom, with many expressing fears over the clashes.

AFP reporters at the border heard a thudding sound over the border in Myanmar after a plane flew over around 10:30 am local time (0330 GMT) Thursday.

Residents earlier told AFP fighting started around Myawaddy on Tuesday, but people in the town said on Thursday there had been no sounds of clashes overnight.

“Fighting has stopped since around 8 pm last night,” one Myawaddy resident told AFP.

“KNU have not entered the town yet, although we saw the news that they got local military command 275 on Facebook. We are still hiding at home,” the resident said, requesting anonymity for security reasons.

The border hub is vital for the cash-strapped junta, with an estimated $1.1 billion worth of trade passing through Myawaddy in the 12 months to April, according to the Myanmar commerce ministry.

Myanmar’s military — which took power in a 2021 coup — is reeling from a series of defeats in the north and west of the country, leading some of its opponents to believe it can one day be toppled.

Thailand Prepares

On Wednesday, the Thai town of Mae Sot saw hundreds of people queue at the immigration checkpoint before walking over the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge into the kingdom.

Underneath them, Thai soldiers scanned the sparse 200 meters separating the two nations.

Commander of Thai’s 3rd Army, Lieutenant General Prasarn Saengsirirak, told local media late Wednesday the army was “intensifying” its patrols along the Mae Sot border.

“We will provide humanitarian assistance but if there are stray bullets crossing to Thailand, we will retaliate with a light to heavy response,” he said.

Thailand — which shares a  2,400-kilometer (1,490-mile) border with Myanmar — has said it is prepared to accept up to 100,000 people displaced by the clashes.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with high-level Thai ministers about the situation on the border earlier this week.

The number of people passing Thai immigration from Myanmar had increased to around 4,000 per day in recent days, an immigration official told AFP, up from the usual number of around 1,900.

He said authorities were reinforcing the number of immigration officials to address the possibility that arrivals would rise further in the coming days.

The post Myanmar Troops Withdraw From Border Town Following Clashes appeared first on The Defense Post.

Hundreds queued to enter Thailand at the immigration checkpoint in Mae Sot, many fleeing the latest round of fighting to rock Myanmar since the military seized power from a democratically-elected government in 2021.

Thai soldiers took up positions underneath the friendship bridge linking the town with Myanmar trade hub Myawaddy, the silhouettes of their counterparts from the Myanmar army visible across the sparse 200 meters of dirt and dried river dividing the nations.

And above the soldiers, hundreds walked across the friendship bridge and into the safety of the kingdom.

“I’m scared, so I decided to cross to the Thai side,” Khu, 49, from Myawaddy, told AFP as she clutched her pet dog to her chest.

She said she had obtained a visa to remain in Thailand for seven days but did not want to return until the fighting stopped.

A Thai soldier, beginning his watch as light fell and who declined to give his name, said the sounds of conflict were the most intense he had heard in fifteen years stationed in Mae Sot.

Jafal Sweardik, 14, had just crossed over with his family from near Myawaddy, where he said the sounds of artillery and gunfire had cast a shadow over the Eid festivities.

“It was horrible, very scary,” he told AFP, adding he was looking forward to being reunited with family on the Thai side to share an Eid feast of curry and rice.

Vital Trade Hub

Fighters from the Karen National Union (KNU) said Saturday they had seized a military base around 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Myawaddy and that more than 600 soldiers, police, and their families had surrendered.

The junta has not responded to requests for comment on the KNU claim of the surrenders at the Thingannyinaung base.

More than $1.1 billion worth of trade passed through Myawaddy in the 12 months to April, according to the junta’s commerce ministry — a vital source of revenue for the cash-strapped military.

Residents told AFP fighting started around Myawaddy on Tuesday, sending people fleeing across the border, but that KNU fighters did not appear to have entered the town.

“There was fighting the whole of last night and in the morning as well,” a resident told AFP on Wednesday, requesting anonymity for security reasons, as they hid in a basement.

“We can hear artillery sounds and explosions from our place. Planes are flying over,” they said.

“My mother and other siblings fled to Mae Sot this morning. I’m now guarding our house with my uncle.”

A truck driver on the road to Myawaddy in Myanmar said he had heard planes flying and the sound of artillery fire on Wednesday.

He said other drivers told him that authorities in the town had blocked traffic from entering from the Myanmar side.

A Place to Stay

In neighboring Thailand, one Mae Sot resident told AFP they saw eight Thai military vehicles heading towards the border on Tuesday night.

“Many people have entered Mae Sot from the other side [Myanmar],” they said.

“I saw many online posts looking for a place to stay.”

The number of people passing Thai immigration from Myanmar had increased to around 4,000 per day in recent days, an immigration official told AFP, up from the usual number of around 1,900.

He added authorities were reinforcing the number of immigration officials to address the possibility that arrivals would rise further in the coming days.

Thailand shares a 2,400-kilometer (1,490-mile) border with Myanmar, with the clashes coming as the Thai foreign minister said Tuesday the kingdom was prepared to accept 100,000 people fleeing.

Earlier Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and high-level Thai officials met to discuss the border issue.

The post Thai Soldiers on Alert as Myanmar Border Clashes Enter Second Day appeared first on The Defense Post.

Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang said the decision was due to Beijing’s inability to provide the S26T Yuan-class attack submarine with a German-made diesel engine.

Berlin did not allow the export of submarine engines to China due to an arms embargo imposed by the European Union on the Asian military superpower.

To persuade Bangkok to continue the deal without German engines, the developer offered the Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engines instead, and it received approval from the Royal Thai Navy.

However, the Thai government did not agree to the changes, saying it is sticking with the German-made MTU396 diesel engines for the country’s underwater vehicle.

Sutin clarified that the submarine deal has not been canceled but shelved temporarily until Thailand is ready to resume negotiations.

Troubled Project

Even before the issue on engine integration surfaced, Thailand’s Yuan-class submarine acquisition had been hit with several budget and production challenges.

The country initially wanted three submarines for $1.05 billion, but budget constraints only allowed it to procure one submarine for $403 million, slated to be delivered by 2024.

The navy also signed a direct procurement agreement with China, bypassing any approval from the military-backed legislature or the Office of the Auditor General.

Another issue that emerged regarding the program was the submarine’s ability to operate in the shallow territorial waters of Thailand, which many critics have doubted.

Substitute

After announcing the shelving of the submarine deal, the navy came up with two proposals to bolster the Southeast Asian nation’s maritime capabilities.

One is to buy a frigate that can fight against submarines, or seek a new offshore patrol vessel.

Sutin said the Thai government chose the frigate option, which could cost the country about 17 billion baht ($470 million), over 1 billion baht ($28 million) more than the submarine program.

“The frigate option will compromise the navy’s capability slightly when compared with a submarine project but the navy can accept it,” he told Bangkok Post.

The post Thailand Shelves Chinese Submarine Acquisition to Buy New Frigate Instead appeared first on The Defense Post.