Thailand preparing the purchase of an additional batch of 121 BTR-3E1 armoured vehicles

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Defense News - Thailand
 

Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 02:05 PM

 
Thailand preparing the purchase of an additional batch of 121 BTR-3E1 armoured vehicles.
 
Thailand continues to increase its purchases of military equipment from Ukraine and is preparing a contract for the purchase of a large batch of Ukrainian BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers for its army.
     
Thailand continues to increase its purchases of military equipment from Ukraine and is preparing a contract for the purchase of a large batch of Ukrainian BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers for its army.
BTR-3E wheeled armoured vehicle personnel carrier at Defence exhibition IDEX 2007
     

As Interfax-Ukraine learned at the state-owned company Ukrspecexport, as a result of the recent tests in Thailand of the first batch of new Ukrainian BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers supplied under a contract with a Thai military agency, the government of the Kingdom of Thailand decided to purchase an additional batch of 121 BTR-3E1s for the Royal Thai Army.

"A relevant contract is expected to be signed by the end of June 2011. The contract's details are currently being agreed," the company said.

As reported, Ukraine and Thailand signed a contract in 2006 for the supply to the Royal Thai Armed Forces of BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers, maintenance vehicles, as well as service and repair facilities, simulators for training, and ammunition.

Ukraine started deliveries of the military equipment in September 2010. Ukraine has already delivered 14 BTR-3E1s, two maintenance vehicles, three simulators for training armored personnel carriers' crews, and ammunition.

In addition, on April 19, 2011, the state-run Kyiv repair mechanical plant shipped 12 BTR-3E1s to Thailand.

     
Thailand continues to increase its purchases of military equipment from Ukraine and is preparing a contract for the purchase of a large batch of Ukrainian BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers for its army.
Thai army take delivery of the first BTR-3E in Ukraine, April 2011
     
A demonstration of the technical and combat capabilities of the first batch of Ukrainian BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers was held at a military ground in the region of Sa Keo (Thailand) early in June, 2011.

The military leadership of Thailand praised the tactical, technical and operational characteristics of the Ukrainian armored vehicles.

According to the Thai media, the contract between Ukraine and Thailand is estimated to be worth $130 million. Under the contract, Ukraine is to deliver 112 new Ukrainian armored personnel carriers to the Thai military in 2010-2011.

Meanwhile, Director General of Royal Thai Armed Forces' Ordnance Department Ekachai Watcharaprateep said that the Thai army plans to purchase an additional 121 BTR-3E1s worth $170 million from Ukraine.

The BTR-3E1 is an upgraded version of the BTR-3E vehicle equipped with the Shturm combat module, comprising a 30-mm gun, a machinegun, a rocket launcher and the Bars missile interceptor. The vehicle is powered by a German Deutz engine, and equipped with a U.S. Allison transmission.