When the Thai military took power in Bangkok in May 2014, China took full advantage of downgraded Western ties by cosying up with Thailand’s former command-in-chief, now self-appointed prime minister, army general Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Thailand's history of weak civil-governance institutions is a bonus for China, easing its pursuit of economic, political and then military power in Thai society, said Richard Fisher, senior fellow on Asian Military Affairs at the International Assessment and Strategy Center.
Since 2015, Beijing has marched in step with Bangkok’s arms and training requests.
This includes deals for VT4 main battle tanks, VN1 8x8 infantry fighting vehicles
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Future operational superiority will be defined by the ability to connect systems, data and personnel into a wider network. For armed forces, this creates the need for a digital backbone that integrates and enhances sensors and effectors of all kinds.
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
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