Thai navy inducts first Panus R600 APCs into service
Two R600 APCs have now officially entered service with the Royal Thai Marine Corps. (Photo: Sompong Nondhasa)
The Thai marines have accepted the first indigenously built 8x8 armoured vehicles, and the force is looking for additional vehicles.
The R600 8x8 amphibious armoured vehicle, designed and built by Panus Assembly, is now officially in service in the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), after a formal handover on 8 May. This is the first 8x8 armoured vehicle built in the country and ordered by the Thai armed forces.
The RTN ordered two R600s for THB99.99 million ($3.22 million) in 2021, but delivery was delayed due to COVID. Since their manufacture, they have been tested on land and in the sea, and time has been spent improving various deficiencies to meet navy requirements.
The R600 is also competing in the RTN’s
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
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
