UAVs

An enhanced indigenously designed tactical class unmanned air vehicle could be in use by Thailand's military in 2008, in a move designed to cut its armed forces' dependency on foreign manufacturers and help it better deal with insurgents.

The defence ministry and the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), a national research and development agency, have teamed up on the programme and are spending 100 million baht ($3.35 million) on a three-year-long first phase. This has resulted in the development of a half-scale aircraft with a wing span of 3.5m (11.5ft). Further flight testing of the type will be conducted in September and 10 aircraft delivered to the Thai army by October.

Under a proposed second phase, which could start by the end of 2007, the TRF hopes to produce a 7m-span derivative. It is working with the National Science and Technology Development Agency to seek potential investors to back production of the larger type.

"This project would benefit Thailand by boosting our national security. It will also help the country save money as the cost of our UAVs is 10 times lower than the imported UAVs," says Suteera Prasertsan, deputy director of the TRF. He say exports will also be targeted.

The Thai armed forces says UAVs are a priority acquisition for it to cope with a Muslim separatist movement in the country's south. Fighting between the army and the guerrilla movement has resulted in the death of almost 3,000 people over the past decade.