Royal Thai Armed Forces-Bigger and Better

Our Bureau - : Nov 8, 2025 - : 8:53 pm

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During 2025-2026, all three armed-forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces procured a variety of new weapons, including weapons expected to be deployed in the near future. The 2026 procurement budget is approximately 31 billion baht (US$ 1 billion). Furthermore, the fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border at the end of July has led the Royal Thai Armed Forces to adjust their procurement to address the current threats. In addition to the regular budget, the government has also provided an urgent additional budget to replace those used during the current conflict with Cambodia.

The Royal Thai Army has a project to procure three Blackhawk helicopters under a continuous procurement plan, as well as more than 100 additional 8x8 VN-1 wheeled armored vehicles from China, medium-sized tactical UAVs, small armed UAVs, including anti-drone systems, a large number of 5.56 mm ammunition, 155 mm artillery shells, 122 mm rockets, 302 mm guided rockets for the DTI-1G guided weapon system, etc.

The Royal Thai Navy has continued the construction of one S-26T submarine from China, with expected entry into service in 2028. The Navy also plans to procure one new, state-of-the-art frigate, valued at 17.5 billion baht (US$ 546.87 million). The project will be built domestically, with design selection scheduled for early 2026. The Royal Thai Navy currently operates seven frigates, but only three are considered modern. There are also plans to build one more frigate. The Royal Thai Navy is also procuring a domestically built MARCUS-B UAV for deployment on the HMS Chakri Naruebet. The procurement plan includes over 22 units, which will transform the HMS Chakri Naruebet into a vertical takeoff and landing UAV carrier, in addition to its current helicopter carrier status. The Navy is also accelerating the development of the MARCUS-KK suicide drone, the Royal Thai Navy's first armed suicide drone, to meet the current situation. There is also a project to procure two transport aircraft to replace the decommissioned Fokker F 27, and the project to procure two medium-sized helicopters as well.

The Royal Thai Air Force has purchased the first four JAS-39 E/F Gripen fighter jets from SAAB Sweden for 19.5 billion baht (US$ 609.37 million) to replace its F-16 fleet. The total purchase will be 12 aircraft worth 60 billion baht (US$ 1.87 billion). It has also purchased two additional H 225M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters for 3.31 billion baht (US$104 million) and an Airbus A330 MRTT passenger/aerial refueling aircraft from Airbus for 12.14 billion baht (US$379.5 million). The service has also purchased KGGB guided glide bomb system from South Korea for installation on its F-16s. It is also preparing to purchase 13 anti-drone systems worth 997.93 million baht (US$ 31.18 million) to enhance its anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. It also plans to procure high-performance missile interceptor systems. The Royal Thai Air Force is interested in the BARAK MX system from Israel's IAI to protect against rockets and missiles from neighboring countries that could pose a threat in the event of war. This type of weapon has never been used by the Thai military before.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces are undergoing a significant transformation, acquiring new and modern weapons to enhance their defense capabilities in the face of new threats such as drone warfare, guided weapons, and new forms of technological warfare.