Development Boost For Thai Armed Forces — Defence Minister
THE Thai military will be modernised with advanced technologies to deal with fast changing security challenges in modern warfare amid an unstable world. At present, the Royal Thai Armed Forces is actively undertaking modernisation and transformation efforts by adopting advanced technologies to meet rapidly changing challenges,” Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit said.
‘Beyond national defence, our military also plays an important role in maintaining combat readiness, providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters, and contributing to national development, including combating human trafficking, safeguarding national security, and countering narcotics,” he said.
Within this context, Defense & Security 2025 brings together a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art defence systems, innovations, and technologies all aimed at strengthening operational capacity and efficiency, the minister added.
The event also offers a valuable opportunity for manufacturers, official delegations, and armed forces from across the world to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and build long-term partnerships.
“This event serves not only as a key international platform for defence technology and innovation, but also as a vital forum for dialogue, collaboration, and partnership, held biennially to strengthen our shared pursuit of peace and security., “ Gen Narkphanit told delegates at the opening of Defense & Security 2025.
The show is organised under the theme “The Power of Partnership,” which reflects the urgent necessity of international cooperation, technological exchange, and strategic synergy among allied nations. This theme also responds to the evolving landscape of modern security challenges diverse, transnational, and increasingly complex which demand collective efforts built upon mutual trust and genuine partnership.
This exhibition, therefore, represents a timely and fitting platform for such cooperation, Gen Narkphanit said over the years, we have witnessed the continuous growth of the defence industry, driven by the need to modernise our armed forces and enhance the effectiveness of defence equipment and capabilities.
Moreover, the Defense & Security Exhibition generates an estimated economic value exceeding 2 billion baht for Thailand, underscoring its significance both nationally and regionally.
Finally, he said, “on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all distinguished delegates, ambassadors, exhibitors, and partners for your strong support and participation in this event. I would also like to commend the Organising Committee and GML Exhibition (Thailand), the official organizer, for their dedication and hard work in delivering an event that brings great pride to Thailand an the ASEAN region.’” Also present at the opening held at IMPACT Bangkok here is GML CEO Mr M Ghandi.
Budget for Arms Procurement Programme
The government has allocated Bt31 billion from the 2026 fiscal budget for arms procurement programes. It was reported that the RTA will get the largest portion, estimated at Bt12.5 billion, followed by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) at Bt9.89 billion, and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) at Bt8.7 billion.
The Army plans to purchase three new US-made Black Hawk helicopters, estimated at Bt5 billion, and two used ones for about Bt2.4 billion.
It has also earmarked an unspecified amount for the maintenance of its MI-17 helicopters and VT-4 tanks, the reports said.
Meanwhiler, the Navy is moving forward with its procurement of three Chinese-made Yuan-class submarines, at a total cost of about Bt36 billion, as approved by the Cabinet in 2015.
The Navy and Chinese submarine manufacturer, China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company, have agreed to amend the contract, replacing the originally specified German-made engines with Chinese-made CHD-620 engines. The delivery of the first submarine has also been delayed by 1,217 days, now expected by the end of 2028. Additionally, the Navy plans to procure one frigate from China, at a cost of about Bt17.5 billion.
The Air Force signed a contract in August with Sweden’s Saab AB for the purchase of four Gripen E/F fighters, costing Bt19.5 billion, with delivery expected within the next four years. This is part of the Air Force’s three-phase program to acquire a total of 12 Gripen fighters over ten years, at an estimated total cost of Bt60 billion.