Jakarta, hitclubapk3 Indonesia
—
Thailand
purchased the Barak MX air defense missile system from
Israel
, as a move to strengthen airspace protection after going to war with Cambodia this year.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) succeeded in securing a major contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), marking Thailand’s first purchase of a medium-range air defense system in decades.
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IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy called the deal significant for the company in Southeast Asia, highlighting Thailand’s influence in the region.
“Barak MX was selected after successfully meeting and exceeding the stringent requirements of the Thai Air Force, offering advanced networking capabilities and interoperability with local command and control systems,” he said, as quoted
Jerusalem Post
.
“We are proud to deepen cooperation and support Thailand in strengthening its defense architecture with proven next-generation capabilities,” he added.
The Barak MX package includes a command and control unit, multi-mission radar, surface-to-air missile launcher, missile refueling vehicle and logistics support vehicle.
Everything is based on a mobile platform to ensure rapid deployment and operational readiness.
Barak MX is used by several countries around the world, including India, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, and Cyprus.
The system is known for its multi-layer, multi-mission design, as well as a network-based configuration that allows operators to select the most effective targeting method according to operational needs.
According to IAI, this feature can cut costs and increase efficiency on the battlefield.
IAI will work closely with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) which will provide maintenance and additional services.
According to the Asian Military Review report, the first phase of the RTAF Logistics Department project includes the procurement of one battery of Barak MX launchers for the Security Forces Command’s Anti-aircraft Regiment.
“The air force must be prepared to face future threats by acquiring modern weapons systems to enhance air defenses, which are currently limited in effectively dealing with emerging threats,” the RTAF said.
The Kingdom of Thailand’s air defenses currently rely on a mix of short-range systems and newly acquired medium-range capabilities, making Barak MX its first major modernization acquisition in two decades.
“Barak MX will provide Thailand with its first medium-range air defense, offering comprehensive protection against ballistic and airborne threats,” Levy said.
Previously, the RTAF used platforms such as the Vulcan Air Defense System (VADS) and M163/M167 weapons, as well as MANPADS such as the FIM-92 Stinger for point defense.
Now, the Barak MX system, with a contract value of around 3.44 billion baht (around Rp. 1.8 trillion), is capable of facing UAVs, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 150 km.
Thailand has adopted Israeli defense technology since the 1970s, and this cooperation has strengthened with the transfer of know-how to produce several weapons systems locally.
The Barak-8 system was developed by IAI in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Defense (DRDO), the navies of both countries, IAI’s ELTA Group, RAFAEL, as well as local industry in India and Israel.
(rnp/bac)
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