Ukraine and Thailand establish military aerotechnical cooperation

Ukraine and Thailand are considering the possibility of establishing military- technical cooperation (MTC) in the purchase, maintenance, and joint development of aerotechnics, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

The delegation of the State Concern Ukroboronprom discussed the prospects of expanding of current cooperation with the Kingdom of Tailand representatives during the international defense exhibition Defense & Security-2013, held on Nov. 4-7 in Bangkok.

In particular, within the framework of negotiations with the the Royal Thai Air Force commander Prachin Chantong, the perspectives of cooperation in the modernization and repair of the Thai military aerotechnics were discussed.

Ukrainian delegation leaders and the leaders of Thai aviation industrial companiy discussed the possibility of technical service of Royal Thai Air Force trainer aircrafts L-39 in Ukraine.

In addition, the Thai side expressed interest in the possibility of the use of air surveillance means produced by Odessa aircraft plant (OAP). Thai delegation also was interested in the products of  Research and product design department of general aviation (Odessa). Specifically, light patrol aircraft "Dolphin" and special motorized hang gliders T-32 and T-2M, which the Quick Reaction Force of the Royal Thai Police can potentially use.

Domestic gun producers together with the representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Thailand also discussed the possibility of joint development of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with minimal weight and size characteristics. The production of such a promising aircraft can be arranged in Ukraine.

Ukraine has been actively developing military-technical cooperation with Thailand. The volume of contracts signed in 2006-2011 implying the delivery of Ukrainian armor, particularly BTR-3E1 armored vehicles and BM Oplot tanks to the Thai side, totaled more than 0.5 billion USD. According to open sources, the defense budget of Thailand in 2013 is estimated at 5.7 billion USD (or 1.45% of GDP), which is 7% more than in 2012.