Thailand Considers Medium-Range SAM Purchase

BANGKOK-(IDB) : Thailand's military government is contemplating the procurement of a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, a spokesman confirmed to IHS Jane's on 1 July.

The programme is thought to be the first major military purchase outlined for consideration since the Thai military staged a coup d'état on 22 May.

The detailed specifications of the SAM system have not been revealed.

According to a government document, the potential SAM purchase is valued at THB2.558 billion (USD80 million), with funds to be sourced from the defence budgets through 2014 to 2017.

The government spokesman said that the purchase is under consideration and that the proposal reflected a legacy SAM requirement in the Thai military.

Source : Jane's