Thai navy prepares MALE UAV acquisition
The Hermes 900 from Israel is one of four contenders for the Thai navy’s MALE UAV requirement. (Elbit Systems)
Thailand will select a new MALE-class UAV for the navy early next year.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is in the process of procuring a MALE UAV to enhance marine surveillance over a longer range and wider scope, as well as supporting other tactical missions.
In December, the RTN’s Naval Acquisition Management Office published a document detailing a competitive tender to purchase UAVs for coastal aviation bases, with a budget of THB3.96 billion ($118.69 million).
There are four contenders in the competition: the Heron TP from Israel Aerospace Industries, Hermes 900 from Elbit Systems, the Wing Loong II from China, and the US MQ-9 Reaper.
Requirements include a long operational range and
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