D&S 2015: Black Widow Spider grows up
The Black Widow Spider, an effort by Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) to create an 8x8 armoured vehicle, has grown from a mock-up two years ago at Defence & Security 2013 into a full prototype.
The first vehicle with a 24t combat weight was shown with an unmanned turret produced by ST Kinetics of Singapore, this armed with an ATK 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. This remote-controlled weapon station (RWS) is an existing design from the ST Kinetics stable.
A DTI spokesman said his organisation, a division of the Thai Ministry of Defence, had
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.