The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has issued a clarification regarding its two anti-drone system procurement projects, worth a combined 997.93 million baht, aimed at enhancing defence readiness against emerging drone threats.
RTAF spokesman AM Jackkrit Thammavichai said the RTAF has been focusing on two Anti-Drone System projects, totalling 13 systems worth 997.93 million baht. The acquisition was conducted under the principles of transparency and good governance to strengthen the nation’s capacity to counter unmanned aerial systems, he said.
He said that, amid the ongoing conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been detected violating Thai sovereignty, a threat to national security that threatens the safety of the public and property.
Consequently, the government approved a special central budget allocation under an emergency framework for the RTAF to enhance its counter-drone capabilities.
Given the urgency of the situation, the government has approved a special central budget allocation and allowed an exemption from the 2017 Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act to ensure timely action.
At the same time, the air force invited qualified private operators to present anti-drone systems for evaluation.
The RTAF established an integrated working group on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) to test and assess system performance under simulated conditions.
Following the evaluation of operational effectiveness and maintenance concepts for long-term sustainability, the Air Force proceeded to request a standard reference price and issued an invitation to the Aviation Industry Co Ltd to submit its proposal for the anti-drone system.
This is part of efforts to upgrade the nation’s defence capability against UAV threats, AM Jackkrit said.