Page 5 - Defense & Security 2023 - Day 3

DTI Develops

Indigenous Fire

Suppression

Rocket System

A team from Thailand’s Defence R&D agency, the Defence
Technology Institute (DTI) has developed a unique fire suppres-
sion rocket system. The new system was developed in only six
months and can be used to put out forest fires and also fires in
buildings. Speaking to Daily News, the leader of the team said
their experience working on the joint DTI-Elbit Systems precise
& universal launching system (PULS) had helped in development
of the innovative fire suppression rocket system. The PULS is a
multiple rocket launch system (MRLS).

The DTI official said the fire suppression system had multiple
operating modes in which it could fire the rockets towards a
location or building on fire. It also has a camera and rangefinder,
which helps the system to fire in automatic mode as well. The
complete system weighs approximately one tonne and will be
installed on a light vehicle to make it a mobile system. Each
launcher carries four fire suppression rockets, which carry a single
type of fire suppressant.

Saab’s Gripen E to Meet Future RTAF Needs

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is con- Commenting on the Gripen in RTAF service, and upgrading software in the aircraft, to
sidering procurement of additional Saab Robert said the RTAF is experiencing high increase their service life and tactical ability.
Gripen fighter jets or F-16s to meet its aircraft availability with the type regularly Commenting on the MS-20 upgrade, Robert
requirements to induct a modern fighter taking part in multi-national exercises. All said customers could choose from a variety
type to replace some of its ageing F-16s. aircraft were available for all missions during of capabilities and many have requested for
In an exclusive interview with Daily News Pitch Black Exercises held in Australia, with integration of the ground collision avoidance
prior to the start of Defence & Security, 99 percent availability. The aircraft are also system (GCAS). Thailand’s Gripen fighters
Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, demonstrating low mean time between
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air failure rates (MTBF) beating its compet- and Erieye airborne surveillance systems are
Force, had outlined his plans for the service, itors, Robert added. Saab concluded the all connected through a secure high-speed
including procurement of new fighter jets. upgrade of Thailand’s Gripen system to datalink network that gives Thai command
Pattanakul told Daily News, that the RTAF Materiel System 20 (MS20) in 2023 with the authorities full situational awareness across
is looking to procure additional F-16s or modifications involved replacing hardware the entire country.
Gripens, to replace F-16s operated by Wing
1. Speaking to Daily News onsite, Robert
Bjorklund Gripen Sales Executive said the
Swedish airframer would propose the Gripen
E to meet any future RTAF requirement. The
RTAF has also requested Saab to integrate
MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-
air missile (BVRAAM), which Robert says
Saab is ready to undertake. At present, the
Indian Air Force (IAF) is the only operator of
the Meteor in the region, with the BVRAAM
fitted on its Rafale F3-Rs.
DEFENSE & SECURITY 2023 NOVEMBER-08-2023 5