Massive Thai Arms Procurement Package Detailed

NEWTOWN, Conn. - The Thai Army has released details of a major force modernization and enhancement package to be executed between 2006 and 2014. The package would involve the procurement of a wide range of equipment, including 106,205 new 5.56x45mm infantry rifles between 2009 and 2011 to replace the Army's aging stock of M16A1s. No specific type of rifle is stipulated by the Thai Army, although the SIG-550 is believed to be regarded with favor, especially if plans to establish a manufacturing facility for this rifle in Thailand proceed. The package documentation specifies that the new rifles should be of at least the same quality and standard as the M16A2 and must adhere to NATO standards. The ammunition for the weapon should also be of the same standard currently used by the RTA, and/or the weapon is able to use existing ammunition that is presently in service with the RTA. This stipulation eliminates, for example, the French FAMAS F.1 rifle, whose 5.56x45mm ammunition is not compatible with other NATO weapons.

The package will also include the purchase of 3,507 7.62x51mm machine guns between 2010 and 2011, which are required to be of at least the same quality as the MAG 58 and must adhere to NATO standards with an effective range of more than 1,500m; the ammunition is to be compatible with existing Thai inventory. Other infantry weapons included are a supply of 219 light anti-tank rockets with a range of up to 400 meters and a medium anti-tank missile for deployment at battalion level. At least 376 missiles of this type are to be procured between 2011 and 2012. The package also features the purchase of 386 M19 grenade launchers between 2010 and 2011 and 54 60mm mortars.

In terms of artillery, the Royal Thai Army plans to purchase 72 towed 155mm L52 guns between 2007 and 2009. This purchase will be supplemented with 18 truck-mounted self-propelled guns, which will be acquired between 2012 and 2014. Thai light infantry formations will receive an additional 18 towed 105mm howitzers between 2009 and 2010, while a Corp-level, long-range artillery capability will be covered through the acquisition of 18 MLRS firing units between 2009 and 2011, which are to have a maximum range of not less than 150 kilometers.

Air defense capabilities will also be addressed. Between 2009 and 2011, the Army plans to purchase 32 additional anti-aircraft guns with an integral radar fire control system. In addition, 54 man-portable anti-aircraft missiles and 72 short-range air defense missiles will be procured within the next three years.

Over the last few years, the Royal Thai Army's engineering units have established an enviable reputation in Afghanistan and Iraq for their ability to complete projects under adverse and unpromising conditions. As a result of this growing reputation, the Army is enhancing the capability of its engineering units by purchasing an equipment package that will include 19 long arm excavators, 30 standard arm excavators, 90 dump trucks, 38 motor graders, 10 flatbed trucks, 16 compactors and vibratory trucks, 26 water sprayer trucks, 14 cargo trucks with cranes, 7 all-terrain cranes, 9 small dozers, 11 small dozers, 15 soil compactors/rammers, 16 excavator floats, 305 mine detectors, and 8 surveying sets. These vehicles are scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2011.

Mobility requirements will be met with the acquisition of 2,209 light trucks of the M998 type, 3,503 2.5-ton medium trucks, and 312 10-ton heavy trucks, and 310 assorted civilian-standard vehicles.

In terms of armored vehicles, the package projects the procurement of 200 tanks between 2012 and 2013 and 288 armored infantry fighting vehicles, which will be used to re-equip the two cavalry divisions. After the procurement is completed, one mechanized infantry battalion should have 96 armored infantry fighting vehicles (64 infantry carrier vehicles, 4 command vehicles, 9 81 mm. mortar vehicles, 4 120 mm. mortar vehicles, 6 heavy anti-tank vehicles, 6 recovery vehicles, and 3 ambulance vehicles).

In addition to new-vehicle procurement, the existing fleet will be renovated, which will include 92 M113 armored personnel carriers to be rebuilt between 2007 and 2009, with 396 YWH-531 APCs going through the same process between 2008 and 2010. The main battle tank fleet of 105 M48A5s and 53 M60A3s will be modernized between 2008 and 2010, while the 128 Scorpion and 106 Stingray light tanks will be upgraded in the same time period. A total of 113 V-150 armored cars will also be rebuilt at this time.

Aircraft procurement is relatively limited. The RTA plans the purchase of nine utility helicopters between 2012 and 2014, eight scout helicopters between 2009 and 2010, and three medium-lift helicopters between 2007 and 2008. In addition, 30 UH1H and 3 CH-47 helicopters are to be refurbished by 2008.

The RTA is also in the process of beefing up its communications equipment, which includes the purchase of 3,692 platoon level radio sets by 2011 and 193 packet switching networks. Other electronic equipment procurements include 14 ground surveillance radars, 10 battlefield surveillance packages, 2 counter-battery radar systems and 10 systems intended to disable remotely-controlled roadside bombs. An additional 1,000 sets of night vision goggles are to be purchased. A large quantity of electronic training equipment is also included in the package.

The package also reflects Thai concerns over a possible chemical weapons attack. The RTA has established a requirement of no less than 48,000 gas masks, 240 full chemical and biological warfare protection suits, and 67 chemical detection systems. Seven chemical and biological warfare reconnaissance vehicles are also to be procured along with five contaminated equipment disposal systems.

Source: Forecast International Inc

Associated URL: http://www.rta.mi.th/data/information/RTAModernization/package_en.htm

Source Date: August 28, 2006

Author: Stuart Slade, Far East Editor