Page 5 - DEFENSE & SECURITY 2022 - Day 1 | DAILY NEWS

THAILAND,

INDIA GROW

DEFENCE TIES

India and Thailand have agreed to
enhance cooperation on defence
and security matters, including
cyber-security. Both countries have
decided to increase joint training
and exercises in defence and secu-
rity. The armies of India and Thailand
have prepared a roadmap to boost
engagement, especially to enhance
cooperation in training and carry-
ing out joint drills. The roadmap was
finalised at the fourth Army staff
talks held at the city of Ayutthaya to complete purchase of 600 Tata 1500 rpm. Equipped with a 6-speed
in Thailand recently. military trucks. Recently, Thailand transmission panel, the truck can
The three-member Indian Army had lauded India’s Atmanirbhar achieve up to 100 km/h speed. With
delegation was led by Major Bharat initiative by announcing the a ground clearance of 300 mm, this
General Anil K Kashid, Additional purchase of 600 ATA LPTA military makes it an ideal carrier in various
Director General of International trucks. The LPTA 715 4X4 is used for terrains. The maximum fuel tank
Cooperation of the Army. The Thai carrying troops. It is a relatively low capacity is set at 200L.
team was headed by Major General maintenance vehicle which can Tata LPTA military trucks have also
Thongchai Rodyoi from the Royal transport at least 12 people in the been used by the Indian Army since
Thai Army. The deliberations also rear. 2015. Available in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 10×10
focused on enhancing training Powered by Cummins 6BTAA 5.9-20 and 12×12 configuration, these trucks
programmes and a roadmap was engine, the beast generates 145 have also been deployed in conflict
prepared for defence cooperation. bhp at 2500 rpm. It is also capable zones of Africa for use by the UN
Meanwhile, Royal Thai Army is set of providing 500 Nm peak torque at peacekeeping forces.

THAILAND FIRST FOREIGN

NATION TO RECEIVE

M1129 STRYKER MORTAR

CARRYING VEHICLES

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is set to simultaneously provides a new capa- spearheading the ongoing develop-
receive M1129 Stryker mortar carry- bility within the RTA and improves its ment and modernization of the RTA
ing vehicles from the USA in the near interoperability with the U.S. Army.” by introducing new armored vehi-
future. Thailand will be the first for- This year’s Cobra Gold exercises held cles that significantly upgrade its
eign nation to receive these Stryker in Thailand, kick started the process combat capability and operational
systems. The U.S. Army is sharing this of introducing the Strykers to the RTA reach. Given its importance as one
technology and weaponry for the with a series of training exercises and of the model regiments to modern-
first time. field missions at Fort Bhumibol, pre- ize the RTA, the 112th is one of the
“The Royal Thai Army chose to invest paring them to officially receive the premier organizations within the RTA.
in the proven capability of the Stryker vehicles at a future date. “The RTA The M1129 Stryker mortar system is an
family of vehicles based on their has not currently fielded the M1129 infantry carrier vehicle and consid-
proven combat effectiveness,” said Stryker Mortar Carrying Vehicle yet,” ered as a descendant of the Swiss
Maj. Curt Belohlavek, the battalion said Belohlavek, “but it is scheduled Mowag Piranha III, accommodating
executive officer for 4th Battalion, to start receiving them in the near a 120mm mortar system that fires a
23rd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. future.” suite of mortar ammunition and first
Army. “The Stryker family of vehicles Fielding the 112th Stryker Regiment is employed in 2005.

DEFENCE & SECURITY 2022 AUGUST 29 2022 5