Chaiseri Thailand Delivers Seven AWAV 8x8 Amphibious Vehicles to Royal Thai Marines.

Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co. Ltd. successfully completed the delivery of seven new 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Amphibious Vehicles (AWAV) for the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in September 2024, as reported by AAG. This delivery marks the conclusion of a procurement process that began on August 3, 2023, with a budget of 448 million baht (approximately $12.9 million). The contract included the development, construction, testing, and delivery of the vehicles, which were completed within a year as scheduled.
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The seven amphibious vehicles delivered to the Marine Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion of the Marine Division were modified from the initial prototype (Picture source: Royal Thai Marines)

The Thai AWAV 8x8 amphibious armoured vehicle is designed for optimal performance on both land and water. It measures 9.2 meters in length, 3.1 meters in width, and 3 meters in height, and weighs 23.2 tonnes. Powered by a 711-horsepower diesel engine, the AWAV can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h on land and 10 km/h in water, with a combat range of 600 kilometers. The vehicle can carry 11 personnel in addition to three crew members, including the driver, gunner, and commander. It is also equipped with a Guardian 1.5 remote weapon station (RWS) from the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical and Engineering (EM&E), which includes a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 76mm smoke grenade launcher.

The seven amphibious vehicles delivered to the Marine Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion of the Marine Division were modified from the initial prototype. These changes include adjustments to the vehicle's front to improve its suitability for marine operations, particularly in beachhead areas, preventing mud and sand from reaching the rear. The driver’s station is equipped with large-caliber ballistic glass, providing clear visibility during both land and sea maneuvers. These AWAV 8x8 vehicles will be used alongside the AAV7A1 RAM/RS amphibious vehicles already in service with the Royal Thai Marine Corps, which are also being modernized by Chaiseri.

With performance capabilities similar to the AAVP7A1 amphibious transport vehicle, the AWAV 8x8 will operate from the Royal Thai Navy’s landing platform docks (LPDs), HTMS Angthong and HTMS Chang, alongside the VN16 amphibious assault vehicles. Each AWAV underwent rigorous testing before delivery, including 200 kilometers of continuous road testing, two hours of uninterrupted marine operation, and obstacle courses designed to simulate challenging terrains. Despite its size, the AWAV 8x8 is capable of climbing slopes up to 60 degrees, meeting the performance criteria established by the Marine Corps.

The AWAV 8x8 is designed for rapid adaptability, capable of transitioning seamlessly between land and marine operations without requiring changes in driving mode. Its powerful water jet propulsion system, designed by Chaiseri’s engineering team, allows it to operate stably in marine environments, with performance comparable to the AAV-7A1 amphibious vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle’s turret system, remotely controlled from inside, demonstrated high accuracy during tests, with an average of 90% of shots hitting the target.

In conclusion, the successful delivery of these seven AWAV 8x8 vehicles represents a significant milestone in the modernization efforts of the Royal Thai Marine Corps. These vehicles will enhance the amphibious operational capabilities of the Marine Division, strengthening the fleet’s readiness for both land and marine missions. The vehicles were showcased during a parade rehearsal for a ceremonial event, marking their official introduction into service.

With performance capabilities similar to the AAVP7A1 amphibious transport vehicle, the AWAV 8x8 will operate from the Royal Thai Navy’s landing platform docks (Picture source: Royal Thai Marines)