Initial Project Focused on APCs
Thales, Datagate (its key industrial partner in Thailand) and the Thai Defence Technology Institute (DTI) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to enhance their collaboration in communications for military vehicle applications.
The MoA follows an agreement 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 upgrading the Royal Thai Army’s existing fleet of armoured personnel carriers (APC).
The MoA focuses on upgrading the APCs with a computerised, command, control, communications and combat information (C5I) operational solution, integrating both VHF and HF combat net radios, a battle management system (BMS) for tactical command and control (C2), and vehicle electronics integration. To develop expertise in Thailand, Thales will progressively transfer technology and knowledge to DTI, eventually enabling 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,” commented Thales’ Country Manager for Thailand, Massimo Marinzi.
