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Thailand signs deal with French company for spy satellite
BANGKOK (AFP) Jul 19, 2004
Thailand signed a multi-million dollar deal with a French space company Monday to build a satellite that allows security forces to track suspected separatist rebels in the country's Muslim-majority south, defence officials said.

The craft is due to be launched by mid-2007 under a 128 million euromillion US) deal and would allow Thai defence analysts to spot trucks and groups of people from space.

"It will be used for monitoring the country for defensive purposes and also for intelligence," General Vichit Satharanond, the head of the Royal Thai Army Military Technology Centre, told AFP.

"If we let the people in the south know we have this, they will start to worry."

Thailand has been wracked by a southern separatist insurgency that has left more than 200 people dead this year.

The authorities have launched a harsh crackdown against the insurgents but killings continue almost daily and the government is preparing to embark on talks with separatist leaders.

The information from the THEOS (Thailand Earth Observation System) satellite, the kingdom's first, will be supplied to nine ministries, including the defence ministry, said officials here.

Pictures will also be used to provide information for coastal surveys, mapping, agricultre, forestry, irrigation and natural resources.

It will also serve as "a kind of weapon" in Thailand's war on drugs, monitoring trafficking routes particularly along the kingdom's western border with Myanmar, Vichit said.

The deal was signed Monday by officials from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand (GISTDA) and the French space company EADS-Astrium at a Bangkok hotel.

The satellite will be built in France and more than 200 Thai staff have already undergone training to run the operation and process the images, French ambassador to Thailand Laurent Aublin said.

Science and Technology Minister Korn Dabbaransi said Thailand will "enter a new era" by acquiring its first-ever image-producing satellite.

"The benefits to be derived will be so great," he told Thai and French dignitaries.

To date Thailand has been purchasing images from the US commercial satellite Iconos, which produces more magnified pictures than THEOS but are costly and can take weeks to arrive.

amazing thailand

soon with their own spy satellite :wow:

good for them


are we by any chance getting satellite imagery from the americans? :rolleyes:

during the height of the Burnham kidnapping crisis, the Americans were thought to have provided us the necessary satellite and elint info...

an aircraft carrier (okay more like a helicopter carrier) and now spy satellites.. im impressed..

China-made warship firing C801

The Thais raised such a ruckus over the crappy construction of the Chao Phraya and its sister ships that China actually made significant efforts to raise quality standards in its shipbuilding industry. :D

sa china pala galing ang mga bapor Thailand? akala ko sa america :blink:

The Chao Phraya and its sister ships are Chinese-built patrol frigates, the Royal Thai Navy has a Spanish-built aircraft carrier and US-built frigates too.

The Thais also have two of the larger Naresuan-class frigates , also built in China.

Thailand has chosen the Saab JAS 39 Gripen to replace its fleet of F-5E fighters in deal worth up to $US230m ($A313m).

"We have decided to pick JAS 39 Gripen fighters to replace our F-5 fleet," Air Chief Marshall Kongsak Wantana told Thai media. "The Swedish government will send a delegation in the next one or two weeks to talk with our Commerce Ministry officials to seek a conclusion to the deal."

Kongsak said the jets would be sold at a "friendly" price on a government-to-government contract and would cost about 600 million baht ($A20m) each, putting the bill at 9.6 billion baht ($A313m). However, whether that price includes a reported barter arrangement for Thai chicken and other agricultural and industrial products, as previously reported, is unclear.

The Irkut Su-30 was also considered with Thai officials visiting the Irkut factory earlier this year; however Kongsak said it was discounted as Thailand had no experience with Russian warplanes.

Most excellent choice for Thailand.

I hope we could accomplish a similar deal in the near future.

that would be around 12 airframes ...amazing thailand, i remember a thread here somewhere that they now have their own military satellite...they must be really rich...

The Gripen is a good choice for us as well.

Not relying too much on what the US can offer is a good start to free us from the US plan to undermine our own advancement.

They can only give us patrol crafts that are ONLY good for fighting pirates anyway...

:dunno:

... AND NOT ENOUGH TO WARD OFF ANY CHINESE SHIPS.

It's about time we start doing what we think is BEST FOR OUR COUNTRY and not WHAT THE US THINK IS BEST FOR US.

THERE'S IS NO SUCH THING AS "BEST FOR THE PHILIPPINES ... THAT IS ALSO BEST FOR THE U.S. ANYWAY".

:exactly:

What about RSAF F-16s? Am I hooking someone now?

Good to GO...

... as long as those can bomb the Chinese out of RP territory.

BTW, see how the US reacted to the issue on the Scarborough shoal takeover?

Our ships were only good at scaring off illegal fishermen and not naval ships. That's why China was able to brave her way through and got what she wanted.

External defense relies much on deterrence and you can only deter them if you have something that can deter your aggressors.

:exactly:

The Philippine govt should also look into the possibility of acquiring the soon to be retired F5Es from Thailand.

We can still use these to augment our current fleet and probably be used as our trainer platform for the MRFs.

Letting our pilots train using these F5Es is an ideal preparation for their eventual flight onboard the newer MRFs, such as that of the Gripen or the F16s / F18s.

At least our fighter pilot trainees will be crashing much older planes and not the newer MRFs which cost a lot more.

:armywink:

how much is F5E?

i dont know but it is cheap i am sure.

Why, Bangladesh plans to buy some?

:merryxmas:

nope , i just dont know the price

then we better get the F7 MB or MG

f7 only cost 3 to 4 millions i think

The problem with the Gripen is that it has a very light weapons load relative to the SU-27 and SU-30 and has not been tested in combat, plus the fact that it is really a very small plane, which makes it unlikely that it withstand much combat damge and also makes it suceptible to being shot down very easily once it is hit by a missile, this means that whle other sturdier planes may be able to limp back home after being shot by a missile or being hit by gun fire, the Gripen's chances are a lot lesser, so this is something that its buyers must consider as well, in my opinion, Thailand would have been better off buying additional F/A-18 Hornets since this plane seems to be able to take more punishment and fire than the Gripen, which according to some quarters, is not that much of a sturdy plane. In a dogfight with a MiG-29, the Gripen will be in somewhat of a disadvantage because its body structure is quite suceptible to being penetrated and heavily damaged by the Mig's 23mm cannons.

What you've said PRESENTS A SERIOUS FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE GRIPEN. :wow:

Let's hope Viking and those who know better can dispute or confrim that?

even the big f-14 Tomcat can be shot down if its hit in the right place.. :armyroleyes: have you considered that the Gripens lightness and maneuverabillity are plus factors in air-to-air combat?

MIG29 SMT can fry gripen

my, can you explain or elaborate chowking why an almost obsolete fighter like the MiG can fry a Gripen w/c is 4th gen aircraft?

I'm seeing the same theory.

Guyz, the leverage may be pinpointed on which is more maneuverable?

Isn't it that in real dogfight the one which is more agile can eventually outmaneuver and fire the first deadly shot?

during the falklands war, the brit harrier's superior agility proved to be the decisive factor in its dogfight wins over the argentine fighters

Skunk Works Mailing List

Re: Russian plasma stealth ?

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 10:27:55 +0100 (MET)
From: pharabod@in2p3.fr
Subject: Re: Russian plasma stealth?

The following message was posted to rec.aviation.military by
Philip Kaploun last Saturday (January 30).

J. Pharabod

---

>Just read in "AeroKosmichekie Novosti"
>- Aerospace News:

>Mig-29SMT is equiped with plasma stealth system. It
>was already tested in RuAF (probably that first
>machine upgraded recently).

> Phil

MIG 29 FULCRUM SMT



The basic MiG-29A has no air-to-ground capability beyond unguided rockets and free-fall iron bombs. The SMT upgrade provides a Zhuk radar with air-to-ground modes and the ability to deliver guided munitions.

In 1998 a decision was made by the Defense Ministry to launch a quantity-modernization program of the MiG-29 fighters. A total of 150 to 180 modernized MiG-29SMTs will be introduced in service with the Russian Air Force. Extensive modernization is planned only of the aircraft produced through the previous decade. This will provide a dramatic increase in combat capabilities of the Russian Air Force. The modernization program started in September 1998 by the Kubinka military aircraft-repair plant and the MAPO MIG. The first batch of 10 to 15 MiG-29SMTs was delivered before the end of the year. In 1999, a total of 20 to 30 MiG-29 fighters were modernized into the MiG-29SMT version, approaching fifth-generation fighters in terms of characteristics. Starting from the year 2000, the program's annual modernization rate was expected to reach 40 MiG-29SMTs. The overall plan provides for modernization of 150 recently manufactured MiG-29s, with the remainder of the older aircraft being withdrawn from service (presently there are 330 MiG-29 aircraft in Russian combat units and 130 in training units).

The MiG-29SMT fighter displays a number of essentially new capabilities to effectively destroy both air and ground (sea surface) targets with the use of high-precision “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” missiles, thus combining the roles of air superiority fighter and strike fighter.

The MiG-29SMT is the up-to-date modification of MiG-29 multirole frontline fighter. The aircraft exhibits a long flight range due to extra capacity of integral fuel tanks and installation of in-flight refueling system (similar to that of the MiG-29SD). The aircraft and engine service life and time limits and design service life have been feasibly increased; the labor requirements and maintenance costs have been reduced.

The MiG-29 evolution program initiated in the late 80-s led to the creation of the aircraft distinguished from the basic version not only by noticeable improvement of the fighter main parameters as a weapons platform-carrier (longer operational range), but also by principally new features.

The most vital feature of this fighter is the capability to effectively operate against air and ground or sea surface targets with the use of high-precision air-to-surface missiles, thus making it a multirole combat aircraft incorporating in one air vehicle the qualities of air superiority fighter and tactical strike aircraft.

The weapon control system of the MiG-29SMT aircraft is built around the ZHUK-ME advanced multimode radar developed by the PHASOTRON-NIIR Moscow-based company. The integrated system incorporates a digital top-level computer system based on the principles of open architecture with use of multiplex data buses, meeting the MIL-STD-1553B requirements, and new information-control system employing full-color large-format liquid-crystal displays, measuring 152 x 203 mm (6 x 8 inch). The displays are developed by the Ramenskoye instruments design bureau (city of Ramenskoye, Moscow region).

The HOTAS concept is fully realized in the MiG-29SMT cockpit; the pilot controls the aircraft, performs targeting and launches weapons without removal of hands from the control stick and throttle control lever.

The MiG-29SMT aircraft six underwing and one ventral store stations can carry up to 5000 kg of external load, including the R-73E agile air-to-air missiles with a combined gas-aerodynamic control system and IR seeker with a wide off-boresight angles range, the RVV-AE medium-range air-to-air missiles with an active radar seeker and the R-27R1/ER1 medium-range air-to-air missiles with a semi-active radar seeker.

In operation against ground and sea surface targets, the MiG-29SMT is able to effectively use contemporary high-precision weapons: the Kh-29T(TE) air-to-surface missiles with a TV seeker, the Kh-31A antiship missiles, the Kh-31P antiradar missiles, the KAB-500KR guided bombs with a TV seeker and powerful warhead.

The upgraded model of batch production MIG-29SMT fighter has an additional two tanks of propellant can cover, without refueling, up to 3,500 kilometers and carry up to 5 tonnes of combat payload. The hatch design compares favorably with that of the predecessor models. The upgraded MIG can be committed to action as a fighter, interceptor, attack, reconnaissance or command post plane. It can, as a command post plane, be acting in contact with A-50 long-range radio detection and control jets. Any kind of Russian- or foreign-made air-to-air and air-to-surface launchers may be mounted aboard this plane.

A new up-to-date cockpit data display and control field, open-architecture airborne equipment complex based on highly effective computing facilities and multiplex communication channels (new navigation, ECM, communication, guidance and data recording systems) can be integrated. The aircraft can be provided with the "Zhuk-M" multimode radar boosting a longer range of air target detection and +/-90° viewing angle in azimuth. The radar is able to track a greater number of targets and engage them simultaneously; scanning in the air-to-surface modes (including those of high resolution) based on indication of moving and sea-surface targets have been incorporated. The weapons mix is widened.

At the buyer's request, radar-absorbent coatings can be applied, Western and national equipment can be installed and number of store stations can be increased. The process of in-service aircraft upgrading up to the MiG-29SMT level has been developed. Works on the aircraft further upgrading are under way.

MiG Corp. has also developed a modular system of MiG-29 upgrading to the MiG 29SMT level. This system is flexible, allowing potential clients to chose the set of aircraft upgrades what they really need. Set of upgrades includes three modules. First module is upgrading the aircraft weapons control system transforming MiG-29 into multirole fighter. A new “Zhuk-ME” radar with a terrain mapping mode is installed. Upgrade of the weapons control system allow to increase considerably the range of “air-to-air” and “air-to-ground” guided and unguided weapons.

While keeping unbeatable air combat characteristics, MiG-29 obtains strike functions, comparable with modern foreign competitors. Second module is increasing internal and drop fuel tanks capacity, upgrading fuel system and installing in-flight refueling equipment, adopted, according to customer’s demand, for usage with Russian or foreign tanker aircraft. Third module is upgrading of on-board equipment and installation digital fly-by-wire control system. Pilot’s cockpit is equipped with color LCD MFDs, modern flight navigation and communication equipment including satellite navigation of Russian or foreign origin, fully compliant with NATO and ICAO standards.

In case of MiG-29 complete upgrading to MiG-29SMT level the customer receives a generation “4+” level aircraft, close in characteristics and by set of equipment to the newest MiG-29M. It is equal, even superior in some positions, to foreign competitors, able to keep, prior to proper exploitation and maintenance, its combat effectiveness for the next 20 years. And MiG Corp. can make all upgrades on the territory of customer and on its manufacturing facilities.

The MiG-29SMT aircraft features:

· Longer range and flight endurance;
· High combat effectiveness;
· Superb agility;
· High reliability and flight safety;
· Easy operation and reduced DOC, up-to-date logistic support;
· Advanced architecture of cockpit avionics and information control system, HOTAS;
· Integrated fire-control system consisting of upgraded radar fire-control system built around the ZHUK-ME advanced radar boasting longer operating ranges, multichannel firing and up-to-date air-to-surface modes, and of IR search and track system and helmet-mounted sight;
· Up-to-date navigation, radio communication, electronic countermeasures, monitoring and recording systems as well as optronic and reconnaissance pods;
· Modified weapon system including the RVV-AE, R-27ER1, R-27ET1, R-27R1, R-27T1, R-73E air-to-air missiles, the Kh-31A, Kh-31P, Kh-29T (TE), Kh-29L air-to-surface missiles, the KAB-500KR (OD), KAB-500L guided bombs, rockets, free-fall bombs and the GSh-301 built-in gun.
Options

- the MiG-29 aircraft basic version can be upgraded to the MiG-29SMT level;
- the upgraded aircraft can be equipped with avionics and armed with weapons of non-Russian origin.
Performance data:
Takeoff weight, kg
- normal 17 000
- maximum 22 000
Engine type/thrust with A/B ON RD-33 ser.3/2õ8300
Maximum operational g-load 9
Maximum airspeed, km/h
- at altitude 2 400
- at S/L 1 500
Service ceiling, m 17 500
Operational range, km
- on internal fuel/with 3 fuel drop tanks 2 100/>3 000
- with 3 fuel drop tanks and in-flight refueling >6 000
Maximum weapon load, kg 4 500

but i am not saying grippen is bad

both are very good ac

Gripen has lower operating cost than the MiG-29 Chow...

written by BHARAT

i know mig29 is expensive to maintain

we even have 8 of them

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...961130&sec=asiahttp://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...961130&sec=asia

BANGKOK: Thailand is to trade 67,500 tonnes of dried longans for 97 Chinese-made armoured vehicles in a deal worth 2.09 billion baht (RM201mil), the state-run Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

A memorandum of understanding was signed here on Friday between Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives and China's Department for International Co-operation, the TNA reported.

The ceremony was presided over by deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn and Advisor to the Prime Minister General Sumpan Boonyanun.

In return for the dried fruit, Thailand is to receive 133 Type WMZ 551B armoured vehicles, which are to be distributed to the army (96), navy (24) and police (13).

The WMZ 551B is a six-wheeled amphibious vehicle that weighs about 15 tonnes and can carry up to 11 troops, including a crew of two.

It has a maximum road speed of 80kph and can be mounted with 105mm guns.

China appears to be making a concerted effort to facilitate more arms sales to Thailand.

On the Thai side, it gets to offload many tonnes of longans, a fruit similar to the lychee, that it bought on the open market. – dpa

:drunk:

Ok lets try to barter our very own sweet Camiguin lanzones for a 100 of those..

Why not? We should try exploring offers like these. I remember we received offers for AKs and other materilel in exhange for bananas. :banana:
Kung gusto nila para mas exotic, cafe alamid. Haluan nating ng sa musang.

Smart move! :aberet:

We did the same thing with our S211s it was counter trade/barter deal using tiger prawns

I think plus women's lingerie? :armywink:

the S-211s were partly paid with Mondragon (if i'm not mistaken) bras and panties though we also paid part in cash. :demon:

so many countries have offered counter-trade deals in exchange for weapons and equipment- the Israelis offering Kfir fighters in exchange for carageenan (gulaman), the Russians being open to counter-trade agreements, etc.- to the Philippines. i hope that the Philippines will be able to take advantage of such deals as much as other countries took advantage of them (examples: Thais trading longans in exchange for Chinese-made armored vehicles, Indonesia and Malaysia partly paying their Su-30MKs with palm oil, THE PHILIPPINES PARTLY PAYING THE S-211 TRAINERS WITH WOMEN'S UNDERWEAR). :armyroleyes:

Its not a bad move on my country's part. With these new armour as well as the new corvettes that the Chinese have made us, this will be proof that there is a surge in Thai-Sino relations.

We are also looking int Lanzhou class destroyers to improve the strength of the Royal Thai Surface Fleet.

Hmm..maybe we should acquire the new J-10 chinese fighters to add on to our carrier task group..those British harriers are getting too old!

Lanzhou class destroyers

Yes, Ive read reports that the Royal Naval command is looking into a deal with Chinese shipyards to construct at least 2-4 of the Lanzhou class destroyers. These are excellent ships and an equal to American AEGIS class destroyers.

The Philippines should look into having deals with Thailand, as we are looking in scrapping some of our older patrol boats; it might be of good use in the Philippines. Considering your country has a far bigger coastal area to patrol and its current fleet strength.


:patrioticpinoy: