Thailand's Biggest Exhibition, Defense and Security 2007 is once again set to be staged in Bangkok from November 7-10, 2007. The third edition of Thailand tri-service defence exposition is on track with increasing numbers of global and regional exhibitors booking places to take part in the show.

Thailand will continue to acquire equipment capable of protecting its strategic lines of communication, territorial integrity and internal security focusing on intelligence work, anti-terrorism and secret funds.

ROYAL THAI ARMY - Major Upgrades and Acquisitions Planned

Major arms acquisitions and upgrades totaling more than US$12.5 billion are envisaged by the Royal Thai Army (RTA) over the next decade with the need to improve firepower and mobility especially for its cavalry and mechanized divisions. The programme involves upgrading existing systems and procuring new tanks, MLRS, self-propelled 155mm/52 calibre guns, and wheeled AFAVs and APCs.

In addition, the Army will also purchase 21,893 M16/A2 rifles, 1,185 heavy machine guns and 1,361 light machine gun, radio signal and tracking equipment.

Ten small mobile pone jammers with ability to block mobile telephone signals are also being purchased from Israel for use by bomb disposal units in the South.

In addition, there also plans to acquire at least 10 amphibious vehicles needed primarily for flood relief operations. Thai Army Aviation is likely to receive an additional seven helicopters while the balance of five Black Hawks have replace the Bell 212 helicopters for special anti-drug operation.

Approval has also been obtained to purchase two Jetsstream aircraft.

ROYAL THAI NAVY - New Purchases and Upgrades Proposed by Navy

The Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) requirements over the next decade total US$19 billion and include SSK Submarines, New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels, New anti-ship missiles, Ship-based air defence systems, and land based radar systems. The RTN also needs to replace or upgrade its S-70B Seahawk helicopters, AV-8s Matador Harriers and MPA aircraft. Furthermore, the RTN's Marine Cops requires tanks, new amphibious landing craft, combat communications equipment, SP 155mm/52-calibre artillery pieces and MLRS.

A proposal has been submitted for the purchase of four medium-sized conventional submarines and also a new cadet training ship to replace the HMS Mae Klong , which has been decommissioned.

ROYAL THAI AIRFORCE - Modernisation To Include New Aircraft And Air Defence Systems

Force modernisation plans for the Royal Thai Force (RTAF) over the next decade are expected to exceed US$20.5 billion with upgrades and new assets worth include AWAC platforms, air defence systems including SHORAD, V-SHPRAD and MANPADS.

There are requirements for additional transport aircraft to supplement the existing 12 C-130Hs and –30s as well as the replacement for three ageing DC-8-62F and also for the six G-222s.

The air force also plans to buy 16C/D fighters while keeping its options open for new generation fighter aircraft such as the SAAB JAS-39 Gripen and Russia's Su-30.

Source: Asian Defence Journal (ADJ) March/April issue – http://www.shpmedia.com