Thailand's Defence Technology Institute to Digitalise Armed Forces' Capabilities with Thales

The digital revolution has opened up a world of possibilities for armies by allowing them to use the best technology to outsmart opponents. Precise and secure digital radio communication is essential for soldiers in the battlefield to communicate critical information, make quick decisions, react to future threats and get the edge in the battlefield.

As the Royal Thai Army seeks to digitalise its capabilities for network-centric operations, Thales, Datagate (Thales' key industrial partner) and the Thai Defence Technology Institute (DTI) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to further enhance collaboration in the Communications domain for military vehicles application.

The MoA follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2017 which paved the way for Thales and DTI to collaborate closely in research and development related to air defence and digital communications systems. With this new agreement, the first common project for all parties will be dedicated to the upgrade of the Royal Thai Army's existing fleet of Armored Personal Carrier (APC).

The MoA focuses on upgrading the APCs with a C5I (Computerised, Command, Control, Communications and Combat Information) operational solution, integrating both VHF and HF combat net radios, a Battle Management System (BMS) for tactical command and control, and vehicle electronics integration. To develop expertise in Thailand, Thales will progressively transfer technology and knowledge to DTI, enabling, at the end, the capability for Thailand to design, integrate and validate C5I systems on any local platform.

Coupled with training courses focused on programming, robust digital vehicle architecture, manufacturing, maintenance and services, Thales supports the long-term ambitions of the Thai government to grow its capabilities in the high-end digital domain. This agreement further underscores Thales' commitment to supporting Thailand 4.0, with one of its objectives being the development of local Thai capabilities in the defence industry, through knowledge and technology transfer.

"Thales is always looking to empower local capabilities in the defence industry so that they may continually develop technologies and take these innovations to greater heights. Additionally, we are glad to partner with Datagate and DTI and are fully supportive of DTI becoming Thailand's Vehicle Infrastructure Design Authority for military vehicle application." Massimo Marinzi, Country Director, Thales in Thailand.