THAI ARMED FORCES IN PROCESS OF MODERNIZATION

DEFENSE & SECURITY 2015 - the biannual Tri-Service event for Land, Sea & Air plus Internal Security - exceeded all expectations for both show exhibitors and visitors. The exhibition reconfirmed the event as one of the largest and most important military displays in the region. Exhibitors were highly satisfied with the number of top-brass decision makers who came to Bangkok from Thailand and across the ASEAN region.

According to Thai Media’s reporting during DEFENSE & SECURITY - Thai Armed Forces expressed interest in many of the products featured at the show. These included

• Skyguard 3 which the Royal Thai Army ordered to replace its ageing short-range air defence system from Rheinmetall Defence.

• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that the Royal Thai Air Force T-50TH fighter trainer would be replacing the L-39ZA/ART system and will feature fire-control radar and weapons systems. KAI is also in the process of discussing the sale of the second phase of T-50TH.

• The Royal Thai Air Force ordered 2 Saab 340s equipped with ELINT and COMINT.

• Transworld is working on upgrading the Royal Thai Army (RTA) UH-1H and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and Royal Thai Police (RTP) Bell 212 helicopters. The RTN and RTP Bell 212 will have armor plate installed, new GPS, health & usage monitoring systems, new weather radar, new glass cockpits and special night vision goggles and wiring for avionics.

• BAE revealed configuration of the RTN's new OPV and proposed Pattani-class corvettes. The Royal Thai Navy also showed interest in the BAE 99 meter corvette. It is believed that the RTN has a requirement for the new corvette/frigate to replace ageing HTMS Pinkao, HTMS Tapi, HTMS Kirirat, and HTMS Makutrachakuman.

• Ukraine Export is in discussion regarding the establishment of production facilities for its Armored Vehicles in Thailand. This will also include and provide upgrades to existing RTA vehicles.

DEFENSE & SECURITY 2015 welcomed the 1st time Japanese Pavilion. The Pavilion featured 10 top companies including Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. According to the media, the ASEAN Armed Forces expressed interest in both P-1 and C2 aircraft from Kawasaki - especially Thailand and Vietnam.

The 2015 show provided many special business opportunities for exhibitors and DEFENSE & SECURITY 2017 is projected to provide even more. Many of the world’s leading manufacturers in defence and security have already confirmed their participation with some exhibition spaces for 2017 being booked on the spot at the 2015 show. 2017 booking is now being done on a first-come, first-served basis. The next event will be held from 6-9 November 2017 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.

So don’t delay - book your space now to join this major event without delay!

Source: www.thaiarmedforce.com, www.komchadluek.net