D&S
REPORT(^20) | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |
The upgraded vehicle has a slightly increased combat weight
of 14 tons, but is fi tted with a new and more powerful 300hp
powerpack provides a power to weight ratio of 21.5 hp/ton and
a combat range of 600km. An improved air conditioning unit
ensures that the three-person crew and seven passengers remain
in optimal fi ghting condition. Additional armour protection as
well as 76 mm smoke grenade launchers have been installed
for increased survivability, while an optional automatic fi re
suppression system can be installed to enhance crew safety. The
upgraded Condor is shown with a Chaiseri-developed manned
turret armed with a six-barrelled minigun.
China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) showed
one of its VT4 main battle tanks (MBT), 28 of which are now
being delivered to the Royal Thai Army thanks to a $147 million
contract. The army also agreed to acquire a second batch of 10
VT4 MBTs in April 2017 for $60 million with these expected to be
delivered in 2018. It is also expected to acquire a third batch of 11
tanks to take the full order to 49.
On of the most impressive stands was the Thailand Ministry
of Defense’s Defense Technology Institute (DTI) display of
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The DTI has a primary
mission to research and develop large-scale military equipment
for the Armed Forces and national security units paving the way
for Thailand’s defense industry on the road to sustainability and
self-reliance. UAS technology is one of the key targets included in
a seven-year project stared in 2013 resulting in the development
of a range of unmanned aerial systems.
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) launching its new Tavor 7
rifl e, a 7.62x51mm caliber weapon that is the newest member of AMR
its Tavor Bullpup rifl e family. It is adapted for both military and
law enforcement markets. The weapon will be available from the
fi rst quarter of 2018.
Finally, as you can see from the picture, the Asian Military
Review team and I fully enjoyed producing four issues of the
D&S Offi cial Bilingual Show Daily. We had the opportunity to
meet many of the international exhbitors and learned about
their new business developments, latest equipment and sales
successes across the Asian-Pacifi c region.
China North Industries Corporation
(NORINCO) showed its main battle tank (MBT)
VT4, also known as the MBT-3000, and was
developed specifically for the export market.
Its armament includes a 125mm smoothbore
main gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and
a roof-mounted 12.7mm machine gun.
Among visiting international dignitaries was the Singapore Defence
Minister Ng Eng Hen who toured the D&S Show on the first day.
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) launched its 7.62x51mm caliber Tavor
7 weapon at D&S, the newest member of the successful Tavor Bullpup
range of rifles.
The Tiger Shark II medium-range
tactical UAV was a project initiated
by the Royal Thai Air Force. With an
operational range of 100-150km, the
Tiger Shark has a payload of 30kg and
a ceiling of 10,000ft (3,048m).
The Asian Military Review team were pround to produce four issues
of the Tri-Service Asian Defense & Security Bilingual Show Daily.
D&S
REPORT