Thailand's defence industry has become capable of developing its own equipment through partnerships with the private sector, Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Prawit Wongsuwon claimed Monday.
Speaking at the opening of the Defence & Security 2015 exhibition at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Gen Prawit said the Defence Technology Institute, a public organisation under the Defence Ministry, is responsible for research and development of armed-forces weaponry and would lead the initiative.
The general, who also heads the ministry, which organised the show, said the DTI hopes to cooperate with other Asean-member countries to develop defence technology.
"During 2015-2016, the DTI has carried out more than 20 projects on research and development of defence technology. Many of the fruits of these efforts, which are on display at this exhibition, have been handed over to the armed forces for their use.
"It is hoped DTI will be able to play a role in the country's economy by generating income and creating jobs for the people -- the same way as done by other industries," said Gen Prawit.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and top military officials inspect the DTI’s “Black Widow Spider” armoured troop carrier at the Defence & Security 2015 exhibition at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)
The general was accompanied at the show by Gen Udomdet Sitabutr, the deputy defence minister, Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha, the defence permanent secretary, Gen Sommai Kaodeera, the supreme commander, and commanders of the army, navy, air force and police.
Gen Stepan Poltorak, the defence minister of Ukraine, also attended.
At the Defence & Security 2015 exhibition, the DTI showed its two-year-old "Black Widow Spider", first introduced two years ago as "the first armoured car to be built in Thailand".
The prototype has been under development since at least 2011, and was first seen in public two years ago, when the Ministry of Defence announced it had teamed up with UK automotive designer company Ricardo to complete the project.
Gen Sompong Mukdasakul, the DTI director, said the Black Widow Spider 8x8 armoured car meets specifications of Nato, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation but did not provide those details.
A range of military vehicles and weaponry was on offer at at the Defence & Security 2015 exhibition at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)
The vehicle was jointly developed by Thai researchers from the DTI, the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre and other local and foreign private organisations with expertise in automotive safety.
The Black Widow is amphibious, holds 12 troops, and has a 30mm machine gun.
The vehicle is driven by a Cummins Diesel engine, and was designed by Chaiseri Metal & Rubber of Pathum Thani. Arms buyers on Monday confirmed earlier reports it is similar to Singapore Technologies' Kinetics Terrex infantry carrier.
The builders claim it is resistant to small arms up to 50-calibre machinegun fire, and is can negotiate steep and sloping terrain.