27 April 69

Navy, Prepare To Buy More, AWAV 8x8 Amphibious Armor Vehicle

Chai Chai after buying seven cars.

Ready to deal with the Khmer border situation.

Bolstering the defense industry.

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Rear Admiral Parash Ratchaiyanth, a spokesman for the Navy, said the Navy has plans to procure an additional AWAV 8x8-type amphibious rubber-wheeled armored vehicle from Chaiymetol & Rabber Co., Ltd.

It is an ongoing operation to strengthen the Navy's capabilities in line with the current security situation along the eastern border, maritime sovereignty defense and response to new types of threats, including missions to assist citizens in emergency situations.

The AWAV 8x8 is designed by a team of Thai engineers and manufactured by the workforce, including domestic machine tools, concretely reflects the potential of the Thai defense industry, with domestic materials used at least 40 percent of the production value, supporting the domestic industrial chain, reducing dependence on foreign imports and ensuring long-term industrial stability.

The vehicle's body is 8x8 propulsion system, highly streamlined, capable of operating in any terrain, effectively supporting joint operations with Royal Navy landing ships (LPDs).

On the defensive and firepower side, AWAV has STANAG-based ammunition and explosive force protection standards, equipped with machine guns and control systems. It is also equipped with communications systems which can be fully linked to the Navy's military communications network. The armored vehicles also meet MIL-STD-STD-based environment permanence standards, which are international military standards, reflecting their availability in all combat environments, both at sea and on land.

The Navy has already procured seven AWAV vehicles into service, and as a result of their deployment, it is possible to carry out the mission effectively, with high combat readiness, and respond to the mission to meet the needs of the operational units, so there is a need to procure more to provide sufficient strength and support future operational plans.

The provision of additional AWAVs this time, not only an upgrade of the Navy's capabilities,

But it also drives the policy of concrete development of Thailand's defense industry and strengthens the capacity of Thai personnel to be self-sufficient in the long run, leading to national security in both military and economic dimensions.