Thailand's Defence Technology Institute (DTI) and Royal Thai Army (RTA) were testing and evaluating prototype of D11A Multi-Purpose Rocket and Missile Launcher at vehicle driving training and testing range of RTA's Army Transportation Department in Kanchanaburi Province on 4-6 September 2024. (Defence Technology Institute)
Minister of Defence of Thailand Sutin Klungsang was presided over the handover
ceremony for Defence Technology Institute (DTI)'s prototype of D11A
Multi-Purpose Rocket and Missile Launcher to 711th Artillery Battalion, 71st
Artillery Regiment, Artillery Division, Royal Thai Army (RTA) at Artillery
Center, Fort Bhumibhol, Lopburi Province, Thailand on 9 August 2024.
The DTI D11A Multi-Purpose Rocket and Missile Launcher is based on Israeli
Elbit Systems' PULS system, intended to launch guided and unguided rocket
systems of different calibres, included Thai domestic DTI-2 and Chinese SHE-30
and SHE-40 122mm rocket which compatibility with SR4 self-propelled multiple
rocket launcher (SPMRL). (Defence Technology Institute/Royal Thai Army)
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Saab Gripen C 70106 of 701st Sqaudron, Wing 7
Surat Thani displayed at the Singapore Airshow 2024 during 20-25 February
2024. (Royal Thai Air Force, Sompong Nondhasa, Defense Info, Kelvin Wong,
Dzirhan Mahadzir)
คณะนายทหารระดับสูงของกองทัพอากาศไทยและสื่อมวลชนไทยได้ชมการจัดแสดงของบริษัทต่างๆในงาน
รวมถึงบริษัท Saab สวีเดนผู้ผลิตเครื่องบินขับไล่ Gripen
ที่ได้สาธิตขีดความสามารถเครื่องบินขับไล่ Gripen E
รุ่นล่าสุดของตนผ่านเครื่องจำลองการบิน Gripen E Simulator ด้วย(ยังเห็นบริษัท
Boeing สหรัฐฯนำเครื่องจำลองการบินเครื่องบินขับไล่ F-15EX Eagle II มาแสดงด้วย)
นอกจากการนำโครงการพัฒนาอากาศยานไร้คนขับ M Solar X UAV
โดยโรงเรียนนายเรืออากาศนวมินทกษัตริยาธิราช เข้าสู่สายการผลิตแล้ว
โครงสำคัญที่ถูกจับตาโครงกาจัดหาเครื่องบินขับไล่ใหม่จำนวน ๑๒-๑๔เครื่องทดแทน
บ.ข.๑๙/ก F-16A/B ADF ฝูงบิน๑๐๒ ที่โอนย้ายไปฝูงบิน๑๐๓ แล้ว
ในปีงบประมาณ พ.ศ.๒๕๖๘-๒๕๗๗(2025-2034)
โดยเป็นทราบกันแล้วว่าตัวเลือกที่เป็นไปได้ล่าสุดมีสองแบบคือเครื่องบินขับไล่
Saab Gripen E/F สวีเดน และเครื่องบินขับไล่ Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70/72
สหรัฐฯ ซึ่งเป็นที่เข้าใจว่าต่างจะเสนอข้อเสนอที่ดีที่สุดแก่กองทัพอากาศไทย
บริษัท Saab สวีเดนที่ได้ให้สื่อมวลชนทดลองเครื่องจำลองการบิน Gripen E
ซึ่งเป็นเครื่องที่ไม่ได้เป็นระบบฝึกทางทหารจริงที่สามารถเปิดเผยในงานต่อสาธารณชนได้ก็กล่าวว่าแม้ว่า
Gripen E จะดูคล้าย Gripen C
แต่มันเป็นเครื่องบินคนละแบบที่ต่างกันในด้านขีดความสามารถที่เหนือกว่า
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) held formal decommissioning ceremony for its
Pilatus PC-9 Mustang trainer aircrafts at RTAF Flying Training School
Kamphaeng Saen in Nakhon Pathom Province on 2 February 2024. (AirlineWeek)
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) demonstrated capabilities of its Chiang Rai
Airfield (416 Squadron) for supporting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief (HADR) with Airbus Helicopter H225M (EC725) of 203rd Squadron Wing 2
Lop Buri, and wildfire fighting with Basler BT-67 of 461st Squadron Wing 46
Phitsanulok on 16 February 2024. (Royal Thai Air Force)
Commander in chief of the Royal Thai Navy had an observe the operation of
searching and decommissioning hazardous materials of HTMS Sukhothai
Today, February 22, 2567, at 09:15 AM, Admiral Adoong Pan-iam, Commander in
chief of the Royal Thai Navy, conducted an observe of searching and
decommissioning hazardous materials operation of HTMS Sukhothai
onboard the Ocean Valor vessel in the Gulf of Thailand near the location
where HTMS Sukhothai was reported missing, in the area of Bang Saphan
District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Admiral Adoong Pan-iam traveled by helicopter to HTMS Angthong, where he was
welcomed and accompanied by Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, commander of the
Royal Thai Fleet
and CAPT Hugh Winkel US Naval Attache to Thailand and Chief of
AttacheOperations.
They observed the operations on the Ocean Valor, which is the main
operational vessel for the search and decommission hazardous materials of
HTMS Sukhothai.
This provided an opportunity for Admiral Adoong Pan-iam to greet the naval
personnel and officers from the United States Navy participating in this
mission, closely observing their operations from preparation to underwater
tasks.
Subsequently, the Commander of the United States Navy's diving unit
demonstrated the communication system and displayed images from the
underwater team's control room.
Upon completion of the visit, Admiral Adoong Pan-iam and his team returned
to the HTMS Angthong for media interviews regarding this collaborative
mission between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy,
expressing gratitude to the latter for their assistance in this
operation.
The visit to observe the operations on the Ocean Valor showcased the
challenges involved, from transporting diving equipment from Hawaii to
Singapore and then to the dive site, all without any cost, highlighting the
enduring friendship between the two navies, committed to the successful and
safe execution of this mission.
Regarding the current mission, it will involve inspecting the vessel to
capture external and internal photographs of the vessel, to be utilized for
the investigation the cause of the shipwreck incident and searching for
missing persons,
including external and internal vessel inspection and search operations,
estimated to take approximately five days before transitioning to recovery
of weapons and disposal of hazardous materials over the next 14 days,
along with retrieving any items of sentimental value for the naval
personnel, Admiral Adoong Pan-iam announced that the first item to be
retrieved from HTMS Sukhothai today will be its “nameplate”.
The Royal Thai Navy will provide consistently updates on the progress of the
operation.
The third day of searching and decommissioning hazardous materials of HTMS
Sukhothai.
On February 24, 2024, which marked the third day of the search and
decommissioning hazardous materials of HTMS Sukhothai. It is a joint
operation between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy aboard the
Ocean Valor vessel
operated in the Gulf of Thailand, close to the reported position of HTMS
Sukhothai, in the area of Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Province. The underwater exploration consisted of four dives, with
significant findings as follows:
Dive 1: Survey the Commanding Officer's cabin.
Dive 2: Survey the compartment beneath the OTO Melara 76 mm gun and
inspection of damage on the wave breaker.
Dive 3: Inspection the main engine’s hatch.
Dive 4: Opening the watertight door of the main engine room, the power
generator room, and the Aspide‘s reloaded hatch.
The operations completed successfully without any obstacles, and ensuring
the safety of all personnel.
Additionally, the Royal Thai Navy has released footage pictures of the
vessel from yesterday's dive (February 23, 2024), where the dive team
surveyed the bridge and retrieved a Buddha statue, along with some documents
which will be used for further investigation.
For tomorrow's operations (February 25, 2024), there will be six dives aimed
at surveying and photographing to collect evidence around the vessel and
extract certain external equipment to the surface.
Further updates on the progress of tomorrow's operations will be informed in
advance.
Day 4 of Searching and Decommissioning hazardous Operations of HTMS
Sukhothai.
On February 25, 2024, marking the fourth day of the searching and
decommissioning hazardous of HTMS Sukhothai.
Today's operations involved six dives using diving air tank and utilized
HTMS Mannai as the operational base. Key tasks included searching for
missing individuals in Radar Room 2, relocating mooring positions,
retrieving a long-barreled M16 rifle,
preparing to remove two 20mm caliber machine guns, and conducting overall
photography around the vessel as planned. Additionally, some external
equipments which can be extracted from the vessel were recovered as well.
The operations succeeded smoothly without any hindrances, and all personnel
are safe.
Furthermore, Royal Thai Navy has released the latest images of HTMS
Sukhothai which has been submerged in the sea for over 1 year and 2 months,
including the survey of the Commanding officer's cabin and other areas
inside the vessel to search for the deceased. However, as of now, no bodies
have been found in those areas. Nonetheless, the joint operations team has
plans to continue the search in the coming days.
For tomorrow's operations (February 26, 2024), which marks the fifth day of
operations, there will be five dives aimed at surveying and searching for
missing individuals in the main engine room, mess hall, pantry room, and the
central corridor of the superstructure. The progress of tomorrow's
operations will be reported in due course.
Day 5 of searching and decommissioning hazardous materials operations of
HTMS Sukhothai : No missing sailors have been found
On February 26, 2024, marking the fifth day of searching and decommissioning
hazardous materials operations of HTMS Sukhothai. The combined operation of
the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy aboard the Ocean Valor
vessel,
stationed near the location where the HTMS Sukhothai sank off at Prachuap
Khiri Khan Province, conducted four dives. The missions included searching
for missing sailors and examining evidence for investigation within various
areas inside the vessel:
Dive 1: Entrance to the main engine room from the aft of the ship
Dive 2: Inside the main engine room
Dive 3: Inside the mess hall
Dive 4: Inside the pantry room
Dive 5: Canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
The operation succeeded smoothly, and all personnel are safe. As of now, no
missing sailors have been found inside the vessel.
For tomorrow's operation, there will be coordinated diving operations
totaling 5 dives, aimed at decommissioning of hazardous materials of HTMS
Sukhothai, including the Harpoon missile system and the torpedo system.
Furthermore, Royal Thai Navy has released the latest images of HTMS
Sukhothai's interior engine room to search for the deceased's remains.
However, as of now, there have been no sightings of the missing sailors in
the mentioned area.
Rear Admiral Veerudome Muangchean, the Royal Thai Navy spokesperson,
revealed that the objectives of the joint operations between the Royal Thai
Navy and US navy are to survey evidence to support the investigation,
search for missing sailors who may be trapped inside the vessel, render U.S.
ordnance inoperable, and retrieve some equipment and items of sentimental
value to the personnel.
In this operation with the United States, there are currently no plans to
lift the entire vessel from underwater.
The current operations are proceeding as planned in consultation with the
United States, with no changes or disruptions. Royal Thai Navy will provide
updates on the operation's progress consistently.
The search and decommission of hazardous materials operation for HTMS
Sukhothai on the 6th day involved the removal two of Harpoon missile launch
tubes, which was successfully accomplished.
On February 27, 2024, marked the 6th day of searching and decommissioning
hazardous materials operation of HTMS Sukhothai. The joint operation between
the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy aboard the Ocean Valor
vessel,
stationed near the location where the HTMS Sukhothai sank off at Bang Saphan
District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
The operation consisted of 4 diving sessions aimed at searching for missing
sailors and conducting surveys and removal of Harpoon missile launch tubes
to exterminate the weapons’ capability.
The operation succeeded smoothly, with no findings of missing sailors in the
surveyed area. However, there was a change in the initial plan from
surveying and removal of torpedoes tubes to removal two Harpoon
missile launch tubes.
The removal of both Harpoon tubes was successfully and be brought to the
Ocean Valor vessel without any obstacles. All personnel involved in today's
operation were safe.
For tomorrow's operation, there will be another joint diving operation to
search for missing sailors and remove torpedo launch tubes to neutralize
their capabilities, totaling 4 diving sessions.
The Royal Thai Navy will provide continuous updates on the operation's
progress accordingly.
The search and decommission of hazardous materials operation for HTMS
Sukhothai on the 7th day successfully recovered three port-sided torpedo
launch tubes to the water surface.
On February 28, 2024, marked the 7th day of searching and decommissioning
hazardous materials operation of HTMS Sukhothai. The combined operations
between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy aboard the Ocean
Valor vessel,
stationed near the location where HTMS Sukhothai sank in the gulf of
Thailand. Today’s operation consisted of 4 diving sessions aimed at
searching for missing sailors, conducting surveys and recover of torpedo
launch tubes to exterminate the weapons’ capability.
The operation yielded no findings of missing sailors in the surveyed area.
However, the recovery of three torpedo launch tubes to the Ocean Valor
vessel were successfully completed.
Operational challenges were encountered due to strong wind and waves, along
with thunderstorms in the operational area. Nevertheless, all personnel
remained safe during today's operation.
For tomorrow's operation, another combined diving operation will be
conducted to search for missing sailors, conduct surveys, and recover
starboard side torpedo launch tubes to neutralize their capabilities,
totaling 4 diving sessions. The Royal Thai Navy will provide continuous
updates on the operation's progress accordingly.
Office of the Royal Thai Navy Spokesperson
The search and decommission of hazardous materials operation for HTMS
Sukhothai on the 8th day successfully recovered starboard sided torpedo
launch tubes to the water surface.
On February 29, 2024, marked the 8th day of searching and decommissioning
hazardous materials operation of HTMS Sukhothai. The combined operations
between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy aboard the Ocean
Valor vessel,
stationed near the location where HTMS Sukhothai sank in the gulf of
Thailand. There were five diving operations conducted. The operation
included searching for missing sailors, surveying and recovering torpedo
launchers,
searching for missing sailors in the radar room, and removing the simulated
weapon release system to disable its functionality.
The operation yielded no findings of missing sailors in the surveyed area
(Radar room); however, the extraction of the starboard sided torpedo
launcher (3 tubes) to the Ocean Valor was successful.
The removal of the simulated weapon release system was also completed
successfully. Despite challenging working conditions due to strong winds and
waves measuring 1 - 1.5 meters, all personnel were safe.
The Royal Thai Navy has released underwater operation video showing the
extraction of the Harpoon missile tubes and Torpedo launchers, which were
conducted during 27-29 February.
For tomorrow's operation, there will be four combined diving operations to
search for missing sailors in the Combat Information Center, as well as to
disable the functionality and capabilities of the simulated Harpoon missile
launcher system.
The Royal Thai Navy will provide continuous updates on the operation's
progress accordingly.
Royal Thai Navy (RTN)'s OPV-552 HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, the Krabi-class
offshore patrol vessel conducted 37th INDO-THAI CORPAT and involved
Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN 2024 with Indian Navy along participation
of 50+ nations, 35 warships & submarines during 19-27 February 2024.
(Royal Thai Navy/Indian Navy)
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) held keel laying ceremony of the new Oceanographic
Survey Ship at Asian Marine Service PCL (ASIMAR) shipyard in Samut Prakan
Province, Thailand on 27 February 2024. (Royal Thai Navy)
One of 4 Chinese Norinco's SR4 122mm self-propelled multiple rocket
launcher (SPMRL) of 711th Artillery Battalion, 71st Artillery Regiment,
Artillery Division, Royal Thai Army (RTA). (Sompong Nondhasa)
Royal Thai Army planned to procure additional 2 of SR4 from Norinco to
equip its SR4 MRL battery at full capacity of 6 systems.
Royal Thai Army's Army Research and Development Office (ARDO) with Khon
Kaen University have tested domestic Lithium-ion battery on RTA VT4 main
battle tanks and Stingray light tanks of 6th Cavalry Battalion, 6th
Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Cavalry Division at Sripatcharin Camp, Khon Kaen
Province, Thailand on 2 February 2024, followed concluded programme on 15
February 2024.
Li-ion battery research and development (R&D) programme fund from
Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education,
Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand (OPS MHESI) on Fiscal Year
2022 budget. (Royal Thai Army)
โครงการวิจัยพัฒนาชุด Lithium-ion battery โดย
สำนักงานวิจัยและพัฒนาการทางทหารกองทัพบก สวพ.ทบ.(ARDO: Army Research and
Development Office) กองทัพบกไทย ร่วมกับมหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น
ที่ทดสอบกับรถถังหลัก ถ.๖๐ VT4 และรถถังเบา ถ.เบา๓๒ Stingray นั้น
Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command and US Army Special Forces of 1st
Special Forces Group (Airborne) was concluded joint exercise Balance Torch
24-3 on 15 February 2024.
Balance Torch 24-3 was taking place in 2nd Army Area, Royal Thai Army at
northeastern of Thailand during 21 January to 15 February 2024. (Royal
Thai Army)
On February 27, 2024, at 09.30 a.m., Thailand Chief of Defence Forces
General Songwit Noonpakdee, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec
and
Commanding General of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lieutenant
General Xavier T. Brunson presided over the Cobra Gold 2024 Opening
Ceremony at the Royal Thai Naval Airbase, Royal Thai Air Fleet in Rayong
province.
Also attending the ceremony were Ambassador of Singapore to Thailand,
Ambassador of Indonesia to Thailand, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
to Thailand, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, and Ambassador of Malaysia
to Thailand.
Cobra Gold is the largest and longest-running joint military
exercise in Southeast Asia, co-hosted annually in Thailand by the Royal
Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
This year’s exercise is the 43rd iteration with seven countries
participating in the main drills – Thailand, the United States, Singapore,
Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia.
Two additional countries are joining the humanitarian assistance trainings
– the PRC and India; and one additional country is joining the Command
Post Exercise – Australia.
Ten countries are joining the Multinational Planning Augmentation team
(MPAT) – Bangladesh, Canada, France, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand,
Philippines, Fiji, United Kingdom, and Brunei;
and 10 countries are joining the Combined Observer Liaison team (COLT) –
Cambodia, Laos, Brazil, Pakistan, Vietnam, Germany, Sweden, the Hellenic
Republic (Greece), Kuwait, and Sri Lanka.
There is a total of 30 participating countries and 9,590 participating
personnel. The objectives of the exercise are to develop good
military relations between participating allies;
to enhance the capacity of conducting joint and multilateral operations by
adapting mobilization in various emergencies; and to practice following
standard operating procedures for a multinational force.
The exercises will be held from February 27-March 8, 2024, with the
following main exercises:
1.The Command Post Exercise (CPX) is a total force training exercise
to handle all domain operations – land, sea, air, cyber, and
space.
This year’s exercise is based on a completed operations order (OPORD) and
concept of operations (CONOP) developed from the procedure which the
director of the Joint Operations Division
chose based on the Military Decision Making Process-Multinational
(MDMP-M), a product of last year’s STAFFEX.
2.The Humanitarian/Civic Assistance (HCA) includes multipurpose
building construction projects in five sites and the Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief Tabletop Exercise (HADR-TTX)
which shows the role of the military in responding to natural disasters at
regional and international levels. The HADR-Demo showcases
station-by-station operations including search and rescue, emergency
response, medical evacuation,
chemical leak response, and firefighting.
3. The Field Training Exercise (FTX) includes cross-training
exercises, and field training for the army, navy, and air force. These
include an amphibious exercise, strategic airborne operations,
non-combatant evacuation, and a live fire exercise.
Cobra Gold 2024 increases the capacity of participating troops from
Thailand and allies though the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and
military technologies.
It increases the experience of joint and multilateral operations for the
Thai and allied forces, and the capacity and efficiency of disaster
management and mitigation.
It also strengthens bonds between soldiers from Thailand and other
participating nations, as well as the locals in exercise locations. CG24
builds a good image of Thailand in the eyes of our allies and the
international community.
