The recent arrival of the M117 Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) into the Royal Thai Army (RTA) marks an import- ant upgrade to the capability of Thai land forces. The first batch of US Army Strykers were presented to the RTA in September, marking their entrance into the Thai land forces inventory.
Thailand is the first country outside the United States to operate the Stryker. Thailand will acquire a total of 60 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles with equipment and support for an estimated cost of US$175 million via the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.
“These Strykers will not only enhance the RTA capacity, but will also act as a tangible symbol of friendship, and a witness to the cordial relations between two countries that continue to strengthen alliances and partnerships,” General Apirat Kongsompong, Commander-in-Chief of the RTA during the handover of the first batch of Stryker AFVs.
The new AFVs are an important step for the RTA’s modernization effort, and the development of RTA doctrine. The RTA’s Stryker Brigade Complex will be located at Chon Buri, a Royal Thai Army base about 55 miles southeast of Bangkok.
The Stryker AFV provides the RTA with a mix of capabilities including infantry transport and reconnaissance; all in a platform that has been combat-tested with significant survivability and capability. The 20 tonne eight-wheeled AFV, is derived from the Canadian Light Armored Vehicle III. Stryker vehicles are armed with M2 Flex .50 cal machine guns and will fill the capability void between light infantry soldiers and heavy mechanized units. The Stryker AFV can get up to speeds of about 80 miles per hour.
The US-Thailand alliance is the longest US treaty relationship in Asia. Thailand is a Non-NATO ally in INDO-PACOM. This alliance continues to be strengthened today through security cooperation events, military-to-military training events such as Cobra Gold and Hanuman Guardian, and the just concluded Indo- Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference and the Pacific Armies Management Seminar.
The Stryker fleet is considered the backbone of the US Army, with nearly 4,700 vehicles fielded. Two upgrades to the Stryker platform include the Infantry Carrier Vehicle –Dragoon (ICVD) equipped with an unmanned turret housing a 30mm cannon with enhanced optics, and the Common Remotely Operated Weapon System-Javelin (CROWS-J), Infantry and Recon Stryker variants with a mounted Javelin capability.
The US Army continues to modernize its Stryker fleet of vehicles through the introduction of the 30mm, up gunned Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICVD), and the Double-V Hull A1 platform. The Stryker A1 eight-wheeled vehicle will feature vastly increased power, survivability and mobility, while providing extra stow- age and seating for nine soldiers, plus a 3-Soldier crew.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.