Thailand has officially joined the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR), aligning with the United States and allied nations to strengthen defence production and supply chain resilience across the region. The move is expected to accelerate collaboration on missile systems, drone technology and broader military industrial capabilities. The announcement followed the partnership’s 2nd annual plenary meeting held virtually on 18 March 2026. Get today's headlines by email In a joint statement, representatives from 16 countries endorsed a 2026 roadmap focused on defence production, sustainment, and technology development. Thailand and the United Kingdom were confirmed as the 15th and 16th members, joining a coalition that includes the United States, Japan, Australia and several European and Indo-Pacific nations. Officials highlighted growing operational demands as a key driver behind the initiative. The partnership builds on efforts first outlined at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2025. These include plans for a forward repair capability for P-8 radar systems in Australia and the creation of common standards for small unmanned aerial systems across the Indo-Pacific. Members also agreed to expand a regional sustainment hub in Australia to support additional P-8 operators. Participants committed to deeper integration across defence supply chains, aiming to reduce regulatory barriers and enhance forward sustainment capabilities. Cooperation on drone technologies will be expanded through joint industry surveys, shared standards, and potential battery development projects. Training and knowledge-sharing will also be strengthened through multinational armaments courses co-hosted by the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. New initiatives include exploring a forward-deployed F100/F110 engine repair hub in Japan and establishing a CH-47 Chinook engine maintenance hub in South Korea. Additional efforts cover a joint US-Japan solid rocket motor production project, expanded munitions cooperation with the Philippines and modular unmanned aerial vehicle development for regional co-production. Khaosod reported that officials said the partnership would remain a key platform for enhancing defence industrial resilience, improving interoperability, and supporting regional security and economic stability. The inclusion of Thailand signals a broader push to integrate Indo-Pacific partners into a coordinated defence production network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 23 Mar 2026
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