Air force procurement includes Rampage missiles and penetrating bombs
The Royal Thai Air Force’s procurement programme includes 20 Israeli Rampage missiles, with an estimated value of approximately 1.04 billion baht, for use with F-16 fighter aircraft.
The report described Rampage as a long-range, supersonic guided missile with a range of 250 kilometres. The acquisition is intended to allow F-16s to strike ground targets farther inside opposing territory while reducing the need for aircraft to approach the target area.
Other equipment identified in the air force programme includes MPR-500 penetrating bombs, commonly described as bunker-busters, and Lizard III laser guidance kits. Penetrating bombs combined with guidance systems are intended to improve accuracy against hardened targets, including reinforced-concrete structures and fortified positions.
Cambodian troops had strengthened bunkers to withstand F-16 attacks, with financial support from Cambodian and foreign businesspeople. The report also cited circulating claims that Cambodian soldiers would be less fearful of F-16 strikes if fighting resumed.
The air force procurement is intended to strengthen precision-strike capabilities and allow weapons to be launched from safer distances following earlier clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Army plans new artillery while navy targets eight frigates
The Royal Thai Army’s modernisation plans include the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), M777 howitzers to replace older artillery, and Stryker armoured vehicles.
HIMARS is intended for future service rather than being presented as already operational with the Thai army. The mobile launcher can fire unguided and precision-guided rockets, while its ability to move rapidly is intended to reduce exposure to counterattacks.
The report cited Ukraine’s use of HIMARS against Russian supply depots, bridges and command posts as an example of how the system had helped Ukrainian forces challenge a stronger opponent.
The Royal Thai Navy is also restructuring its combat forces while maintaining operational readiness. Thailand retains a naval advantage over Cambodia despite Cambodia’s receipt of an armed corvette from China.
Thailand’s naval strategy calls for a fleet of eight frigates, with further procurement intended to reach that total. The frigates would form the fleet’s core, supporting air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, information sharing and command of maritime operations.
Source: Bangkokbiznews