Philippine Navy Eyes Joint Maritime Exercises with Thai, Vietnamese Counterparts

29 Maret 2012

Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam which is capable of building warships and military vessels (image : ttvnol)

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy plans to hold joint maritime exercises with its Vietnamese and Thai counterparts as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the navies of neighboring Asian countries, a military spokesman said.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay disclosed this following the visit of a Philippine Navy delegation led by its chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, to Vietnam on March 11-14 and Thailand on March 14-17.

The Philippine delegation toured the Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam, which is equipped with state-of-the-art shipbuilding and repair facilities and which is capable of building warships and military vessels, Tonsay said.

“This visit is expected to provide opportunities for the conduct of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (northeast of Vietnam) and other common maritime domains following proper diplomatic channels under guidance from the Department of National Defense,” Tonsay said.

“Sharing of shipbuilding expertise is clearly seen as one possible area for cooperation during this tour,” Tonsay added. The delegation, he said, suggested possible training for Philippine Navy personnel at the X46 shipyard.

Likewise, the leaders of the two navies discussed a proposal to establish a communication hotline between the operations centers of the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) especially for search-and-rescue operations.

Pama and VPN’s commander in chief, Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, also signed the standard operating procedure regarding interactions among Philippine and Vietnamese navies’ personnel in the vicinity of Southeast Cay and the Northeast Cay Island, located between the two countries.

Nguyen offered to host the first “Navy to Navy Talks” with the Philippines in Vietnam in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippine Navy spokesman said.

“The visit paved the way for continued Staff to Staff Talks and exchange of visits between the Philippine Navy and VPN, which is hoped to sustain the active engagements of the Philippine Navy and the VPN and effectively address maritime security issues in common maritime domains,” Tonsay added.

In Thailand, Pama and other delegation members met with the Thai Ministry of Defense and held exploratory talks on avenues of cooperation for the Philippine Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Joint maritime exercises and ship visits by the Thai Navy to the Philippines were also discussed.
Likewise, the RTN also committed to host Navy to Navy Talks to further discuss matters that will strengthen the bilateral activities of both navies.

(Inquirer)

Thailand’s Chaiseri For Tank Tracks

08 Maret 2012

Chaiseri MRAP (photo : miltech)

Chaiseri is Thailand’s specialist for tracks and wheels for armoured vehicles which has taken part in some of the biggest defence shows and has won business in the defence field throughout the world.

Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co Ltd is a Thai company located in the province of Pathumthani, which is located in the north of Bangkok, Thailand with a considerable history since it has been operating in related business for more than 30 years with the policy of supplying high quality products according to customers’ requirements at competitive prices.

Previously, Chaiseri ran a business in the production and services of rubber and rubber to metal bonded parts for commercial cargo trucks such as torque rods, rubber bumpers, rubber and rubber to metal bonded parts for cargo trucks that was very well known among cargo truck owners and drivers.

From Rubber Business to Track Shoes and Wheels for Armoured Vehicles

With experiences in the field of rubber to metal bonded parts production had continuously grown, the company has increased their capability in production by purchasing various machines from several countries for the production of track shoes and road wheels for all types of armoured track vehicles to support the Royal Thai Army.

The company also completed several projects of re-manufacture of M35A2 trucks and M151A2 jeeps. At present, Chaiseri is one of the major military product suppliers for the Royal Thai Army. Having multiple facilities and experience in various products, Chaiseri have supplied their products to worldwide customers (more than 20 countries) with satisfaction guarantee.

Chaiseri Light Tactical Vehicle (photo : TAF)

Armoured Vehicle Tracks Specialist from Thailand

Essentially Chaiseri is a producer of rubber, rubber-to-metal bonded parts, and metal products. Amongst its metal products include ammunition box for M19A1, M2A1, and M548 type weapons, and hand guards and magazines for M16 rifle.

The company also specialises in wheels and support wheels for all types of tracked armoured vehicles including; US Tank: M41, M42, M48, M60, M88, M-107/110, M-109, M-1, APC M-113, Half Tank M-3, M-16, German Tank: Leopard I and II, British Light Reconaissance Tank: Scorpion, French Tank: AMX13, Leclerc MBT and the Russian APC: BMP3.

Chaiseri was also involved in the design & development and manufacture of the tracks for Russian tanks: T-54, T-55 and T-59 , Tracks for Chinese Tank: T-69 and Chinese APC T-85 Track for British Tank: Scorpion Track with Replaceable Pad and Rubberized Horseshoes. Chaiseri are specialist in the repair, remanufacture and upgrade of all types of military wheeled vehicles, armored tracked vehicles, automatic transmissions and engines up to 2,000HP.

(ADJ-Defense & Security 2012 News)

RTA Shown Interest in the Smar Hunter Radar

08 Maret 2012

China's Smart Hunter radar (photo : ADJ)

China’s SmartHunter in Thailand

The “SmartHunter” TH-5711 portable air defence missile operation and command system/ stealth air defence guard is being promoted by well knowned China Xian-based defence equipment producer at Bangkok’s Defense & Security 2012 exhibition.

SmartHunter offers the best solution against modern air threats with the integration of a Manpads/VSHORAD air defence missile system with a long range detection (30km) capability and reliable IFF, fully automated target information and commanding/ network operation.

The SmartHunter system has already been selected and supplied to the Chinese armed forces and also the armed forces of several other countries.

Following the strong interest by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the producer is keen to provide Thailand with such effective systems.

(ADJ-Defense & Security 2012 News Bulletin)

Arms Market in Thailand is One of the Fastest Growing in Southeast Asia

06 Maret 2012

BTR3E1 from Ukraine and Mi-17V5 from Russia (photo : Thaifighterclub)

TSAMTO, In Bangkok, opens March 5 International Exhibition and Conference on Defense and Security, "Defense & Security-2012", in which will be attended by over 250 companies from 30 countries, including seven Russian companies.

Such a broad representation of foreign companies at the exhibition in Bangkok due to the fact that the arms market in Thailand is one of the fastest growing in the South-East Asia.

According to TSAMTO (calculation of the standard four-year period), total imports of arms of Thailand in 2004-2007.amounted to 355 million dollars in 2008-2011. - 1.715 billion dollars. To date, the number of orders on imports of Thai weapons for delivery in 2012-2015. amounts to 2.41 billion dollars.

The main feature of the arms market in Thailand is that the group of the world's biggest arms suppliers are pressed exporters from the second and even third-tier.

In particular, in the field of aviation technology in the arms market in Thailand is now dominated by Sweden, a strong position in the segment holds armor Ukraine. It would seem so long ago have settled the question of purchasing diesel-electric submarines from the German Armed Forces, the newly revised. For individual segments of the arms strong position on the arms market in Thailand is occupied China, Singapore, Indonesia and Brazil.

Position of the main suppliers of the arms market in Thailand

The period 2004-2007

Total imports of arms of Thailand in this period TSAMTO estimated to be worth 355 million dollars, including 141 million dollars in 2004, 30.6 million dollars in 2005, 94 million dollars in 2006 and 89 million dollars in 2007.

The first place for the period 2004-2007. in the Thai market is France - 80 million dollars (22.56% of total imports). Second place is occupied by the United States - 77.5 million dollars (21.85%). The third and fourth places are shared by Singapore and China - with 70 million dollars (19.74%).

The small volume deliveries during this period carried out in Sweden, Germany, UK, Netherlands and New Zealand.

The period 2008-2011

Total imports of arms of Thailand in this period TSAMTO valued at 1.715 billion dollars, including 157 million dollars in 2008, 300 million dollars in 2009, 486 million dollars in 2010 and 772 million dollars in 2011.

The first place for the period 2008-2011. in the Thai market has taken Sweden - 531 million USD (31% of total imports). Second place was taken by Indonesia - 220 million dollars (12.83%).Closes the three leaders of Brazil - 180 million dollars (10.5%).

The following places over the period 2008-2011. in descending order took the United States (177.5 million dollars), Italy (150 million dollars), Israel (132 million dollars), Ukraine (USD 115 million), France (52 million dollars), China (47 million dollars), South Africa ( 30 million dollars), Russia (29.1 million dollars), an unknown provider (26.2 million dollars), Spain (20 mn) and Austria (six million dollars).

Orders for the import of arms for the period 2012-2015

At the moment TSAMTO estimates of orders of Thailand to import arms for the period 2012-2015. in the volume of 2.41 billion dollars. Of this amount, 614.4 million dollars accounts for Sweden (25.5%), 551 million dollars in the U.S. (22.9%) and about 380 million dollars in the Ukraine (15.8%).

In the category of "tender" (the provider has not yet determined) the volume of deliveries in 2012-2015. estimated at 300 million dollars.

Thailand, Russia

During Putin's visit to Thailand in October 2003 signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on the logistic and technical support for the troops. This document is the first real step toward the establishment of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Thailand.

It is a framework agreement, which covers areas of both military and military-technical cooperation. It provides for exchange of information, expertise, training issues, and other forms of interaction. The document was signed for five years with subsequent prolongation. The memorandum is regarded by the parties as a necessary legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

An important impetus for the development of bilateral military-technical cooperation was reached during the visit of Vladimir Putin agreed on the settlement of Soviet-era debt to Thailand amounting to 36.5 million dollars. The document defines a mechanism for repayment of debt supply of goods or services for five years.

Until recently, Russia has not been able to penetrate the Thai market weapons. In this regard, a breakthrough can be called a contract for the supply of three Thai Mi-17V-5.

At the end of February 2011 at the airbase "Utapao" transport aircraft An-124-100 "Ruslan" were delivered to three of the Mi-17V-5.

The contract value amounted to 990 million baht (27.5 million dollars), including the costs of maintenance and training costs 50 million baht. Financing the purchase of Mi-17V-5 was carried out using funds previously allocated to the repair program 15 helicopters UH-1 "Huey" worth 999 million baht, which was later canceled.

Despite the fact that the North of Thailand purchased helicopters for transport version, they can be equipped with machine guns, Mag-58 or M-60. Currently NE Thailand are considering the purchase of 3 additional helicopters in Russia.

Ground forces in Thailand have decided to purchase three helicopters MI-17 Russian-made at the end of 2008. The contract was the first purchase of Russian helicopters NE Thailand. Previously used only American cars.

For the first time Russia has offered to Thailand to buy Mi-17 helicopters in 2005, but then the decision was not made.

The history of bilateral military-technical cooperation between Russia and Thailand began in 1994 when the Russian president's decree was given consent to the establishment of military-technical cooperation with Thailand.

In the period from 1994 to 2000. was prepared and delivered to the Thai side of the business for more than 20 proposals for cooperation in the sphere of military-technical cooperation on selected samples of military hardware, but they were not implemented, suggesting an extremely difficult task to penetrate new markets in the Russian arms.

At present, "Rosoboronexport" is working with Thailand at the request of the Thai side. We are talking about the possible purchase of small arms, anti-aircraft and helicopters. For Russia, Thailand, is of interest in terms of promotion of small submarines and missile boats.

For more information on the arms market statistics in Thailand, please visit TSAMTO in the sections "Arms Trade" and "Ongoing analysis." The materials are placed in the public domain.

(ArmsTrade)

Sikorsky Puts in Bid to Supply 16 Choppers

25 Februari 2012

S-92 helicopter. Sikorsky is seeking to expand its market in Thailand by bidding to supply choppers for the kingdom’s first dedicated search and rescue operation. (photo : AirShowsReview)

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, the US helicopter producer known for its Black Hawk make, is seeking to expand its market in Thailand by putting a bid to supply aircraft for the kingdom's first dedicated search and rescue operation.

The Connecticut-based company will contest in a competitive international bid to be issued next week by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deliver up to 16 helicopters for SAR missions in a transaction that could reach a value of more than US$320 million (9.8 billion baht).

Sikorsky will pitch its S-92, the larger advanced utility which can carry up to 19 passengers in airline-style configuration, against other bidders in the RTAF contest, Daniel Zsebik, Sikorsky's director for sales in Asia, told the Bangkok Post in Bangkok.

Although the RTAF's programme involves 16 helicopters, its initial budget would allow the procurement of four.

Depending on how the chopper is equipped with sophisticated technology and add-ons, an S-92 could cost $20-24 million a piece, Mr Zsebik said.

Included in its bid will be the training of RTAF pilots in the US and Britain in operating the S-92 as well as sending Sikorsky's own trainer pilots to Thailand to assist Thai pilots to ensure they can handle the aircraft properly.

Ahead of the RTAF bid, Sikorsky this week staged a series of demonstration flights over Greater Bangkok skies to the Thai armed forces to show off the S-92's multi-mission capabilities.

The Thai visit is part of an Asian tour of S-92 "Legacy of Heroes" (LOH) helicopter and includes Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and India - all considered potential buyers of the aircraft for different purposes including for SAR, as offshore oil rig transport and as a carrier for heads of state.

Thai armed forces already have Sikorsky helicopters in their fleets - Black Hawks with the Royal Thai Army, S-92s at the RTAF (used as carriers for royals) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) which flies Sea Hawks and S-76s which can carry 12 people.

The S-92 has a range of 880km with a top speed of 306km/hour.

(Bangkok Post)

Defence Minister Presses Ahead with U-boats Plan

25 Februari 2012

The navy had originally planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany (photo : Militaryphotos)

Sukumpol presses ahead with U-boats plan

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat wants to submit the navy's proposals to buy second-hand submarines to the cabinet next week.

However, he said he was unsure whether they will be submitted in time for the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The minister said a few more days are needed to discuss the proposals before they can be forwarded to the cabinet.

ACM Sukumpol said it was a race against time as Germany, which makes the submarines, has given the government until the end of the month to decide whether to buy them or not.

ACM Sukumpol says he supports the navy's position that it needs the submarines to fulfil its maritime defence missions.

If and when the submarines are acquired, the navy will have to adjust its own budget to effectively maintain the upkeep of the submarines.

ACM Sukumpol was yesterday paying a formal visit to the navy for the first time since assuming the post of defence minister.

The minister was greeted by navy chief Surasak Roonroengrom and other senior navy officers.
He was briefed about the navy's development plans for the next 10 years, including its need to have submarines to boost its underwater capabilities to meet any external threats. The navy had originally planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany.

However, since the cabinet has not yet approved the proposals, Germany has in the meantime sold two of the submarines to Colombia. The navy now hopes to buy the remaining four for 5.5 billion baht.

"Now, Myanmar wants to acquire submarines ... Thailand's desire to have its own submarines does not mean that the country wants to follow the example of others," he said.

"There has been much talk about submarines since the time of HRH Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak [the father of the Royal Thai Navy]," said the defence minister.

(Bangkok Post)

Bell Helicopter Receives Contract to Refurbish Royal Thai Army 212 Series Helicopters

15 Februari 2012

Royal Thai Army Bell 212 helicopter (photo : Thai Aviation)

Singapore Airshow, -- Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company TXT +4.01% , announced today it received a contract to modify and refurbish eight Royal Thai Army Bell 212 helicopters. Bell Helicopter Asia will work with Bell Helicopter's independent representative Royal Airport Services on this in-country program.

"Modifying and refurbishing these Bell 212s will provide the Royal Thai Army improved mission capabilities," said Danny Maldonado, senior vice president and Chief Services Officer for Bell Helicopter. "We have had a long, strong partnership with the Royal Thai Army and are looking forward to continuing this relationship."

The Royal Thai Army operates a large fleet of helicopters in Thailand with the majority of them being Bell Helicopter products.

The Bell 212 is a two-bladed, twin-engined, medium helicopter. It is a derivative of the "Huey" family of helicopters that have proven their reliability, ruggedness, and multi-mission capabilities for many years.

Bell Helicopter is home to an industry-leading customer support network made up of more than 100 customer service facilities in 34 countries, six strategically located supply centers and nearly 100 customer service engineers and dedicated product support engineers all focused on executing on customer requirements, increasing global responsiveness and lowering direct operating costs.

(Bell Helicopter/VerticalMag)

TAI Completes Final Upgrade of RTAF C-130 Aircraft with Rockwell Collins Flight2™ Avionics System

14 Februari 2012

C-130 Hercules of the RTAF (photo : Thai Aviation)

SINGAPORE – Rockwell Collins recently completed the Thailand C-130 Avionics Upgrade Program, led by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), adding to the company’s extensive record of providing communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) avionics upgrades worldwide.

“Rockwell Collins is unmatched in providing advanced avionics upgrades for C-130s,” said Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “With the completion of this program, we have provided cockpit and avionics upgrades to more than 150 C-130 aircraft around the world.”

Over the past five years, TAI and Rockwell Collins have upgraded the cockpit and avionics on 12 Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Nieuwsma said the company’s hallmarks of “outstanding teamwork and a clear understanding of program requirements, validated through a rigorous design and testing process,” resulted in a successful program for TAI, Rockwell Collins and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The Rockwell Collins Flight2™ avionics system provides the RTAF with unrestricted access to global airspace by meeting CNS/ATM mandates currently identified through 2020. Included in the avionics upgrade are new primary flight displays, Flight Management System, autopilot, communication radios, navigation sensors and surveillance systems including weather radar, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Terrain Awareness and Warning System and digital map. The delivery of the final upgraded C-130 completes an avionics modernization program which provides the RTAF with state-of-the-art capabilities consistent the world’s leading C-130 operators.The aircraft installation was designed and manufactured by Rockwell Collins, then installed and tested by TAI at Takhli Air Force base north of Bangkok.

About Thai Aviation Industries

Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. specializes in providing aircraft painting, welding, machining, sheet metal work, non-destructive inspection and composite repair services to the Royal Thai Air Force since 2003. Thai Aviation Industries was established in 2003 with the anticipation of increasing demand for aviation maintenance services; driven by a surge of activities related to the aviation industry due to the government's policy to make Thailand the aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region. At that time, Thailand has no aviation maintenance center of its own, therefore the company was established. The company is currently serving the industry with more than 400 highly experienced engineers and aviation technicians from the Royal Thai Air Force.

About Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit

www.rockwellcollins.com.

(Rockwell Collins)

Arthur Mobile Radar System Demonstration for Thai Marines

11 Februari 2012

Arthur weapon locating radar (all photos : Thai Artilery Marines)

On 8 Februari 2012 Thai Marines demonstrated with Arthur mobile radar station to find the location of weapons. To participate in training is a battalion of Tactical weapons and Artillery at Sattahip, Chonburi.

ARTHUR is an abbreviation for mobile "Artillery Hunting Radar" was developed by Erricson Microwave Systems, which has been acquired in 2006 by the Swedish Saab group.

The system provides ground units with early warning and accurate location of hostile artillery fires. The radar is effective at ranges up to 40 km, where it can detect small size targets. Within a few seconds of the initial detection, the system plots the launch site for counter-fire, and predicts the point of impact, to alert ground troops which could be endangered by the attack. A number of targets can be tracked simultaneously while search continues. After tracking, the launching position is determined and data on located batteries are transmitted on a data link to the artillery Fire Direction Centre.

(Thai Marines)

LM Team Visit TAI to Asses RTAF's F-16 Upgrade

06 Februari 2012

F-16 MLU program at Thai Aviation Industries (all photos : TAI & Thaifighterclub)

Representatives from Lockheed Martin Aero, USAF, and DCMA to visit and assess the repair of the F-16 Mid Life Update.

On 9-11 January 2555 representatives from Lockheed Martin Aero, USAF, and DCMA visit the F-16 Mid Life Update program at Takhli Aircraft Maintenance Co., Ltd.

This visit is a continuation of the visit on May 20, 2011 where the team of Lockheed Martin and USAF is also seen in the TAI's aircraft maintenance capacity in Takhli, Nakhon Sawan Province, to prepare the F-16 MLU program.

(Thai Aviation Industries)

New Tactical Vehicle for RTA

28 Januari 2012

Isuzu 2,5 ton tactical vehicle (photo : Thales)

Thailand army began using a new tactical vehicle Isuzu FTS H2E33 (4X4). These trucks have a size of 2.5 tons and easy in maintenance and repair. The vehicle can be ridden comfortably on a flat terrain and contoured.

Specification :

Dimension (L x W x H ) 7,220 x2, 490 x3, 145 mm.
The load weight is 12,200 kg.
Plane load of 5,000 kilograms.
2,500 kg load on the terrain
Towing weight of 3,000 kg of baggage
Engines : diesel engines Isuzu 6 cylinder, 7790 cc capacity.
Max torque 706 Nm (72 Kk.-m.) at 1450 rpm / min.
HP 240 and HP the (177 kW) / rpm min.
Fuel tank capacity 200 liters.
6 speed forward and one reverse speed.
The hydraulic brake system
Turning radius of 9 meters.
Operating within 800 km.
Maximum speed of 97 km / hour.
The ability to climb high slopes 60 percent

(RTA)

C4i Expands National Air Defence System in Thailand

26 Januari 2012

C4I SwitchplusIP (image : C4I)

C4i recently received a further order to add to its existing nationwide Communications System for the Royal Thai Air Force. C4i will deliver another installation of its world leading, SwitchplusIP® end-to-end IP communication system for this project with delivery expected Q1 of this year.

C4i delivered the existing Air Defence System in 2008 which provides the Thai Air Force with a complete nationwide end-to-end IP solution. The system consists of over twenty operational sites scattered across the country, linked together via an advanced IP network to provide a true “system of systems” solution. This allows every site to work together appearing like a single, very large system, providing total flexibility for resource allocation across the country while still retaining complete standalone autonomy should the network be removed.

“The SwitchplusIP® system delivered to the Thai Air Force is the largest end-to-end IP based communications system we are aware of in use by any Air Force in the world today” said Peter Harrison C4i’s Managing Director. “It provides the operators with transparent access to communication assets located all across the country as if they were all in the same room. This cutting edge technology delivers the often talked about goal of “any asset, any operator, anywhere” currently being sort after by many air forces across the globe” Harrison said.

This system is further proof of SwitchplusIP® ability to be easily expanded after initial deployment. The Air Force is able to incrementally grow the system by adding sites, operators or assets when required; in this case a mobile air traffic control system that can be networked allowing Command Centre operators to utilize and communicate with these remote assets and operators through the IP network.

C4i has formidable experience delivering specialist Air Defence systems for use in single and multi-domain security environments all over the world. C4i’s ground breaking RED/Black IP system is United States Department of Defence recognized and Tempest accredited, currently in use with the USAF, RAAF and NATO Air Forces. C4i’s engineering and product team are experts in this niche, mission critical, high-security market and has years of experience integrating Type 1 cryptographic devices into Air Defence communications applications.

C4i has been delivering its SwitchplusIP® VoIP technology to niche markets such as Air Defence, Public Safety and Maritime Ports for over six years, making it a market leader of this technology in its niche markets.

(C4I)

Submarine Purchase Plan to be Refloated

25 Januari 2012

Type 206A is a diesel electric submarine with 48.6m in length and displacement 498 ton (photo : denizaltici)

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat yesterday vowed to re-examine the navy's plan to buy submarines.

On his first day in office at the Defence Ministry, ACM Sukumpol said he would continue to push for the implementation of incomplete plans and projects, including the submarine purchase.

"We will look at it. The navy must explain to the public why the submarine purchase is an appropriate project," ACM Sukumpol said. The minister also told navy chief Adm Surasak Roonroengrom to clarify details of the submarine project to the cabinet and the public.

The navy had planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany.

However, as the cabinet has not yet approved the plan, Germany has since sold two of the submarines to Colombia. The navy now hopes to buy the remaining four subs for 5.5 billion baht.

"If the navy had submarines, the balance of military power in the region would change," a navy source said.

He warned Cambodia may well obtain submarines before Thailand as it can rely on its alliances with "superpowers".

(Bangkok Post)

Ukraine will Deliver 49 MBT T-84 Oplot to Thailand and will be Completed in 2014

06 Januari 2012

T-84 Oplot Main Battle Tanks (photo : Militaryphotos)

Ukrainian State Company for Export and Import of Military and Special Products and Services (Ukrspetseksport), which is a part of the Ukroboronprom state concern, intends to supply 49 T-84 Oplot tanks to Thailand.

He said a statement made by Volodymyr Kuratchenko, deputy director general of Ukroboronprom, in Kharkiv that enterprise will supply close to 100 tanks to Thailand was a mistake.

Volodymyr Kuratchenko told the press in Kharkiv that the execution of the contract will begin in 2012 and will be completed in 2014.

He said the execution of the contract will allow the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant to boost production volume 10 times in 2012 over 2011.

He did not specify a sum of the contract.

Mykola Belov, acting director general of the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant, told Ukrainian News the Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 40.2 million in December to the plant for preparing the execution of this and other contracts concerning production of tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Chief Designer Volodymyr Vakulenko told the press some 40 changes will be introduced in the design on demands from the customer, including installation of air conditioners.

As Ukrainian News reported, Ukrspetseksport on September 1 signed a contract with the Defense Ministry of Thailand to deliver 49 Oplot tanks for a sum exceeding USD 200 million.

On August 5, Ukrspetseksport reached agreement with Thailand for manufacture of 121 pieces of

BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers and support vehicles based on them worth a total of more than USD 140 million.

Ukrspetseksport is part of the Ukroboronprom state-run concern, which also comprising enterprises producing military hardware, including tank-building enterprises.

(Army Recognition)

Air Force Defends B10bn Budget Call

10 Desember 2011

RTAF JAS-39C Gripen (photo : Scramble)

The air force is defending its request to the government for 10 billion baht for post-flood rehabilitation work.

Air force chief Itthaporn Subhawong said the flood caused vast damage to expensive facilities and high-technology communication systems and armaments.

Cutting the budget would compromise the air force's ability to do its job.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has questioned why the air force needs so much and asked for more detail, Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said.

The prime minister, who visited the Defence Ministry yesterday, said the air force should prioritise spending and break it down into more detailed figures.

ACM Itthaporn said the air force asked for 10,563 million baht. He said the damage was assessed by a government-appointed committee.

"The budget we proposed truly reflects the amount of damage the air force incurred," he said.

Some equipment that was not totally ruined would be fixed, not replaced.

"We understand flood recovery in the country will be expensive. But the air force is one of the country's main defence systems.

"If rehabilitation is insufficient, we won't be able to function with the same level of capability as before," he said. The faster the money is disbursed, the sooner the force will get back on its feet.

The source said the air force may still consider trimming the funding request by up to 1.3 billion baht. It would carry out as much repair work as possible rather than acquiring new equipment.

Ms Yingluck plans to visit the air force again on Wednesday, when she will also visit the army. She will drop in on the navy the next day. "We must work together and treat each other with honour," she said. Gen Yutthasak said Ms Yingluck plans to visit the Defence Ministry regularly and have lunch with the armed forces leaders every two months as part of a policy of forging closer ties with the military.

(Bangkok Post)

Thailand Orders Seafox Minehunting Drone

09 Desember 2011

Seafox Minehunting Drone (photo : Atlas elektronik)

Thailand Becomes the Tenth Seafox Customer

BREMEN, Germany --- Atlas Elektronik has won a new customer for SeaFox: With the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), yet another navy has decided to upgrade its minehunting capabilities with the Atlas mine neutralization drone. A respective agreement was signed recently.

Atlas will supply three mobile SeaFox systems with the corresponding number of SeaFox I units for inspection and training purposes and an initially small number of SeaFox C combat units for mine disposal. Further SeaFox C units are to follow over the next few years. The mobile SeaFox system is a completely autonomous system that allows the deployment of SeaFox vehicles with no dependence on shipboard facilities or equipment. This permits deployment of the SeaFox vehicles from various types of ships at any time, without the need to convert the vessels in any way.

The Royal Thai Navy currently operates four mine countermeasures vessels, all of which are equipped with mine warfare systems made by Atlas. The vessels to be modernized belong to two different ship classes. As the first step, the boats will be fitted with SeaFox units in the form of a mobile SeaFox system.

RTN’s decision in favour of SeaFox improves the position of Atlas for the upcoming modernization of the mine warfare systems on the four minehunters.

In total, ten navies have now decided to operate the SeaFox, making it the most successful mine disposal system in the world.

Atlas Elektronik Seafox system (photo : Naval Technology)

This fibre-optic guided, one-shot mine disposal vehicle SeaFox C is used for semi-autonomous disposal of naval mines and other ordnance found at sea. It is able to automatically relocate previously acquired positions of underwater objects within minutes with the integrated homing sonar. After relocating, these objects can be identified using the onboard CCTV camera and destroyed by the use of a built-in, large caliber shaped charge.

SeaFox I is a reusable vehicle for identification and training in the application field of mine hunting. In this vehicle the SeaFox C warhead is replaced by ballast weight. It is deployable from a wide range of carrier platforms, including dedicated MCM vessels, surface combatants, craft of opportunity, rubber boats and helicopters.

The Atlas Elektronik Group stands for maritime and naval solutions above and below the ocean surface. The company holds a leading position in all fields of maritime high technology, from command & control systems including radio & communication systems for submarines, surface combatants and mine warfare systems and ranging to heavyweight torpedoes, coastal surveillance systems and in-service support. Atlas has established a worldwide customer portfolio. The electronics specialist is a joint company of ThyssenKrupp and EADS and has a workforce of 1900 highly skilled employees.

(Atlas Elektronk/Defense Unmanned)

Princess to Launch New Ship

02 Desember 2011

The newly-built HTMSKrabi in dry dock at the Mahidol Adulyadej Naval Dockyard in Chon Buri province. The vessel is to be launched today to commemorate His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday on Monday. (photo : Bangkok Post)

SATTAHIP : Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will today preside over the launching ceremony of the HTMS Krabi, a new patrol vessel built by the Thai navy.

HTMS Krabi was built by the navy at a cost of 1.7 billion baht. It is intended to commemorate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday on Monday.

However, the ship will not be ready to be commissioned until late next year.

The ship is also part of the navy's strategic personnel development, said Vice Adm Manit Soonnadam, chief of the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard.

HTMS Krabi is a vessel with an almost 2 tonne displacement.

It is the fist time the navy has built a ship this size.

It has been constructed according to the suggestion of His Majesty the King, who named the ship. It is expected to be operational for 40 years.

HTMS Krabi is 90.5m long and 13.5m wide.

The height of the gunwale is 7.7m.

The displacement tonnage is 1.97 tonnes and the vessel has a maximum speed of 23 knots.

The space of its deck is enough to park a Super Lynx helicopter. The ship has 89 crewmen.

VAdm Manit said HTMS Krabi will be assigned to the task of carrying out marine intelligence missions, protecting fishing boats and national marine resources, assisting people facing difficulties in the sea, as well as enforcing marine laws.

The 1.7 billion budget for the contruction of HTMS Krabi comes from a tied-over budget between 2008 and 2011, he said.

(Bangkok Post)

Thailand Offered UAV Training Service

14 November 2011

G-Star tactical UAV (photo : suasnews)

Innocon and its Thai partner, G-Force Composites, are offering a new training solution for the G-Star tactical unmanned air system (UAS) now being evaluated by the Royal Thai Air Force.

Based on Innocon's MiniFalcon-2 design, the G-Star has a maximum take-off weight of 220kg (485lb). Thailand has purchased one system and is evaluating it against other UAS, including the Aerostar produced by Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems.

Using simulation capabilities supplied by Simlat, the training system can be integrated with an operational UAS console to provide a realistic training setting for G-Star operators. Its purpose is to train them in mission aspects such as flight patterns, payload operation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.

"Customers can now prepare for emergencies and diverse mission scenarios in addition to basic operation training," said Innocon chief executive Michael Armon. "This reduces certification costs, increases safety and yields high customer satisfaction."

G-Force has so far specialised in manufacturing composite structures and supplied some for UAS developed by Innocon. The G-Star is the first result of a cooperation agreement signed by the companies earlier this year.

(FlightGlobal)

See Also :

Thailand evaluates G-Star unmanned air system
14 November 2011

Thailand's air force is evaluating the G-Star unmanned air system (UAS) which is based on Israeli manufacturer Innocon's MiniFalcon-2.

The G-Star has a twin boom fuselage and boasts a maximum take-off weight of 220kg, compared with the MiniFalcon-2's MTOW of 200kg.

G-Star is the outcome of a co-operation between Innocon and Thai company G-Force Composites. The latter also acts as Innocon's regional representative.

The Royal Thai Air Force has purchased one G-Star system for evaluation purposes and is pitting it against other UAS, including Aeronautics' Aerostar.

(FlightGlobal)

Flood Relief : Thailand Plans to Cut the Defense Budget in 2012

12 November 2011

The reduced budget will affect plans to maintain and buy military equipment, and the military may not be able to operate to its full capacity. (photo : kwek)

House in uproar over relief supplies

Alleged foul play in the procurement of flood relief bags continued to take centre stage in the budget debate that concluded in parliament yesterday.

Democrat Party MP for Samut Songkhram Rangsima Rodrasamee produced a bag of necessities that the government's Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) had commissioned.

She claimed the Froc bought a five-kilogramme bag of rice of a normal grade for 195 baht when the market price was 85 baht.

Miss Rangsima said medicines in a packet from the Health Department should be free but the Froc claimed to have bought them.

Canned fish, canned vegetables and instant noodles should have been cheaper than their Froc-recorded prices if they were procured wholesale, she said.

She also alleged a woman identified only as Kratae, who was a secretary to a government MP, had tampered with the bills of rice procured for flood victims by raising the prices.

She said an exorbitant price was marked for 23,500 bags of rice delivered at Nonthaburi's Suankularb Wittayalai School, which is an emergency shelter.

Democrat list MP Boonyod Sukthinthai said mobile toilets were also overpriced.

Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, who is also the Froc's director, said relief bags were closely controlled and monitored. A report unveiled by a Froc inquiry panel led by Yanyong Puangrat, permanent secretary for commerce, said no officials had been found to be involved in the allegations of overpriced relief bags.

The Prime Minister's Office and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, not the Froc, were responsible for buying relief bags priced at 300 baht, 500 baht and 800 baht, he said.

Pol Gen Pracha said distribution was considered based on the bag's content, cost and destination.
Places flooded for longer periods were given 800-baht bags, while recently flooded places were given smaller 300 baht bags.

"Before approval, all prices had been checked by me personally," he said.

Meanwhile, a 10% cut in the Defence Ministry's budget could compromise the military's efficiency, army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

"We have no idea what to do. This is necessary. The nation is facing a disaster," Gen Prayuth said.
The money from the cut will be used for flood assistance.

For the 2012 fiscal year, the Defence Ministry has asked for 81.7 billion baht for the army, 32.9 billion baht for the navy, 32.1 billion baht for the air force, 13.2 billion baht for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and 5.9 billion baht for the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence.

However, the requested budget for each agency is subject to the 10% deduction.

The reduced budget will affect plans to maintain and buy military equipment, Gen Prayuth said. The military may not be able to operate to its full capacity.

Military operations in the deep South face a budget cut of about 3 billion baht.

(Bangkok Post)

Two MH-60S Knight Hawk Entered Operational in Royal Thai Navy

09 November 2011

Two aircraft from the approved six MH-60S Knight Hawk entered to operational (all photos : Sukasom Hiranphan/TAF)

Navy has signed procurement of two aircraft from the approved six aircraft an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter in 2006 and now the helicopters were handed over to the Thai Navy.

The noticeable difference between the SH-60B Sea Hawk and is the Royal Thai Navy's MH-60S Knight Hawk, it is the position of the wheel base pairs, after the Sea Hawk it stay in the body, but in Knight Hawk will be back in a position similar to the UH-60 Black Hawk.

For the MH-60S Knight Hawk of the Royal Thai Navy has installed modern equipment. The mission control system of the Lockheed Martin also has a flashlight and rescue hoists. As well as being equipped with terrain following radar and infrared cameras, which allows Knight Hawk as a common transport missions. tactical transport missions, special operations including search and rescue missions. The Knight Hawk helicopter the most modern and best equipped to rescue in Thailand today.

The Royal Thai Navy has a plan to provide additional funding received.

(TAF)