China to deliver Thai VN1s next year
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) will receive its first batch of 34 VN1 8x8 IFVs from Norinco next year, and it has plan to procures a second vehicle batch in the near future.
Earlier in 2017 the RTA ordered them for $57 million, and these are to be delivered along with the second batch of ten VT4 MBTs in 2018.
The VN1 will be Thailand’s second Chinese-sourced APC after the Type 85 was commissioned in 1987.
The RTA received the last of 222 BTR-3E1 APCs from Ukraine last year. However, the RTA requires a lot more vehicles to replace ageing
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.