Thailand to buy VN1 from China
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) selected the Chinese-built VN1 8x8 as its newest IFV, after visiting its production facilities and testing the VN1 against the BTR-4 from Ukraine and BTR-82A from Russia.
The first batch of ten VN1 vehicles will be bought for $1.4 million per unit, along with two recovery vehicles. They will be ordered as soon as the budget is authorised by the government, something expected in the near future.
The RTA has had more than 200 BTR-3E1s in service since 2011. Two years ago the RTA announced plans to acquire more wheeled armoured vehicles, with the
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
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
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.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
