USMC troops fire Javelin during an exercise in Thailand in 2014. (Photo: USMC/Sgt Matthew Troyer)
Thailand could receive a package of 300 Javelin FGM-148 antitank missiles and related equipment worth an estimated $83.5 million under the FMS programme, after the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 30 July notified Congress of a possible sale.
The Lockheed Martin-Raytheon Javelin JV was named as lead contractor on the State Department-approved deal.
Aside from the Javelin missiles, the FMS package includes 50 command launch units; training equipment and missile simulation rounds; technical assistance; and various logistics and programme support services.
The Javelin would replace obsolete 106mm recoilless rifles that the Royal Thai Army (RTA) acquired as part of US military assistance programme during the Vietnam War era.
‘This proposed sale will allow the RTA to modernise their light anti-tank capability and maintain its current force posture, as well as enhance interoperability with the US during operations and training exercises,’ the DSCA noted.
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
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