The Thai Government has outlined a commitment to accelerate development of the domestic defence industrial base in 2017. This will take place through partnerships with military suppliers and other activities.
In comments published by the government’s public relations bureau, Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr said in a recent Bangkok seminar that the Thai Ministry of Defence (MoD) would seek to expand collaboration with foreign partners in setting up military industrial facilities in the country beginning in 2017. The Defence Ministry aims to work with foreign partners to set up facilities to manufacture military hardware and components as part of its ambitious plan to promote development of the defence industry. These facilities, he said, would be geared towards manufacturing military products – components and platforms. It would also provide support for existing systems through the provision of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr said the foreign partners will supply weapons to the Thai armed forces. “Further purchases will be according to plans by each of the armed services. They need to consider where the armaments can best ensure the need for high-performance weaponry”, the Deputy Defence Minister said.
The above development fits well with the theme for DEFENSE & SECURITY 2017 which is: ‘THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP’. With full support of the Thai Ministry of Defence and the Thai Armed Forces, DEFENSE & SECURITY 2017 will bring special opportunities to exhibitors seeking to do business and partnership with Thailand and other ASEAN countries. DEFENSE & SECURITY is a Tri-Service event for Land, Sea & Air. It will be held in Bangkok this year from 6-9 November.
DEFENSE & SECURITY has evolved to become a must-attend event and a regional central meeting point for everyone in the defence and internal security industry. The show is attended by thousands of trade visitors including decision-makers such as Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Armed Forces for Army, Navy, Air Force and Police plus other high-ranking government officials from across ASEAN.
Source: Bangkok Post
