Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is reportedly preparing to purchase the BARAK MX air-defence and missile system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in a deal worth 3.44 billion baht. The report, published by international defence outlet Defence-Blog on 4 December 2025, said the acquisition forms part of Thailand’s integrated air-defence upgrade to strengthen protection of key national bases. If confirmed, BARAK MX would become the most advanced air-defence asset in Thailand’s current arsenal.

 

The report stated that the full BARAK MX package selected by the RTAF is designed to counter evolving aerial threats, including drones and long-range missiles. Classified as a high-to-medium-air-defence (HIMAD) system, it will replace ageing capabilities and enhance multilayer protection for strategic military facilities. The system’s selection was described as a response to shifting regional security dynamics and the need for modern interception solutions.

 

Developed by IAI, the BARAK MX is a modular, network-centric system capable of intercepting a wide spectrum of threats. These include aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and even intercontinental ballistic missiles. The platform has been tested in real combat, most recently during Israel’s Rising Lion operation in June, where it reportedly intercepted incoming Iranian missile attacks successfully.

 

Thailand’s decision to invest in HIMAD capabilities comes amid heightened concerns over neighbouring countries expanding their long-range strike assets. Cambodia and Myanmar are deploying weapons such as China’s PHL-03 rocket system with a 130-kilometre range and North Korean Scud-class missiles with ranges between 300 and 700 kilometres. The rapid spread of UAVs, loitering munitions and cruise missiles has further reinforced Thailand’s need for reliable defensive systems.

 

Reports also indicate that the Thai Army and Navy are evaluating BARAK MX for potential future procurement. Such moves could lead to the system being adopted across all military branches, enabling the establishment of a joint air-defence network, reported Naewna. No official confirmation of the contract has yet been provided by Thai authorities.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Defence-Blog reports Thailand will buy the BARAK MX system from Israel for 3.44 billion baht.

• The HIMAD system aims to counter drones, long-range missiles, and other advanced regional threats.

• The Army and Navy may also consider BARAK MX, potentially forming a joint national air-defence network.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-05

 

 

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

1 hour ago, brian69 said:

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

Maybe no shame, but having no shame dose a very poor air-defence and missile, and good thing that commonsense prevails here on simple hatred of a nation.

32 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Maybe no shame, but having no shame dose a very poor air-defence and missile, and good thing that commonsense prevails here on simple hatred of a nation.

It's not a hatred of a nation, but of a dislike for the government bombing and killing civilians !

Things that go boom in the night. Armies throughout the world are undergoing rapid rearmament. Israel is ranked eight on the list of state arms dealers behind the UK and ahead of Spain, but is a serious contender making serious money.

 

Israel accounts for 3.1% of global arms sales. Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense [sic] Systems, and Elbit Systems operate under contract to the Israel Ministry of Defense [sic].

 

“The arms trade is a massive industry. The largest arms exporters play a significant role in shaping military and geopolitical trends.” — Foreign Affairs Insights & Review

 

Thailand has hidden a crucial weapons purchase from the public which pays for it. This contract with Israel was done without public input, oversight or commentary.

The justification for the purchase of the missile system is to “help protect [RTAF] air bases”.

 

From whom, exactly, does Thailand need protection?

 

The Israeli Barak MX missile was used by the IDF in Gaza.

 

Thailand also purchased 18 M758 antitank guided missiles from Israeli arms dealer Elbit Systems in 2020. Elbit was forced out of the UK with nonviolent direct action by Palestine Action. — CJ Hinke, Nonviolent Conflict Workshop (NVCW), Bangkok

52 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Thailand has hidden a crucial weapons purchase from the public which pays for it. This contract with Israel was done without public input, oversight or commentary.

that is standard in the entire world

6 hours ago, brian69 said:

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

They want the best

7 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

They want the best

But, is it.....?   🤫

 

Tell all......🫡

On 12/5/2025 at 10:44 AM, brian69 said:

It's not a hatred of a nation, but of a dislike for the government bombing and killing civilians !

America is doing this as well in the Caribbean

On 12/5/2025 at 8:57 AM, brian69 said:

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

Why should they have any shame....  or would you prefer they buy from the squeaky clean whiter than white good old USA

Maybe this will get Thai motorcyclists to wear helmets. What goes up must come down.

Off topic troll posts about ladyboys removed @rumak

Whatever happened to the subs Thailand bought from China without a proper engine fitted. Is it already displayed in a Thai museum somewhere?

On 12/5/2025 at 3:22 AM, Georgealbert said:

he Army and Navy may also consider BARAK MX, potentially forming a joint national air-defence network.

 

 

More toys for the "top brass" to play with?

 

 

On 12/5/2025 at 10:44 AM, brian69 said:

It's not a hatred of a nation, but of a dislike for the government bombing and killing civilians !

Unbelievable that so far 5 members gave a thumbs down thus supporting a government that bombs and kills civilians ..

3 minutes ago, brian69 said:

Unbelievable that so far 5 members gave a thumbs down thus supporting a government that bombs and kills civilians ..

 With respect, at this moment I see only 3 thumbs down!

3 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 With respect, at this moment I see only 3 thumbs down!

Scroll down 2 more posts further.

On 12/5/2025 at 8:57 AM, brian69 said:

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

What’s to be shamed about?

4 hours ago, malibukid said:

America is doing this as well in the Caribbean

Play drug runner games and get drug runner prizes. End of Story.

2 hours ago, cynic1 said:

Whatever happened to the subs Thailand bought from China without a proper engine fitted. Is it already displayed in a Thai museum somewhere?

Thailand on track to receive first Chinese submarine.

17 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Thailand on track to receive first Chinese submarine.

With or without engine ?? 

 

2 hours ago, brian69 said:

Unbelievable that so far 5 members gave a thumbs down thus supporting a government that bombs and kills civilians ..

I gave you a purple cup  supposedly means thanks  but I think its first prize for outstanding achievement in forum discourse 😋

 

Of course its very unfortunate that Thailand buys arms from the genocidal Zionist regime..they should strive to develop their own 

in house weapons  or better still just maintain focus on  improving the lives of the Thai people as first priority instead of weapons of war.

2 hours ago, brian69 said:

Unbelievable that so far 5 members gave a thumbs down thus supporting a government that bombs and kills civilians ..

Is this because you do not appear to condone that others may have a different opinion to you....?  🤔

On 12/5/2025 at 8:57 AM, brian69 said:

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

 

The EU has no shame dealing with the Kremlin then...

On 12/5/2025 at 10:44 AM, brian69 said:

It's not a hatred of a nation, but of a dislike for the government bombing and killing civilians !

 

Sorry, you said Israelis and didn't specify it was their government that's boiling your piss.

3 hours ago, brian69 said:

Unbelievable that so far 5 members gave a thumbs down thus supporting a government that bombs and kills civilians ..

 

The thumbs down refers to your post and nothing to do with support of any government that's killing people.

 

There's no yawn emoji.

On 12/5/2025 at 8:57 AM, brian69 said:

Thailand has no shame in dealing with Israelis then......

oh well, when the price is right...

1 hour ago, johng said:

With or without engine ?? 

 

I gave you a purple cup  supposedly means thanks  but I think its first prize for outstanding achievement in forum discourse 😋

 

Of course its very unfortunate that Thailand buys arms from the genocidal Zionist regime..they should strive to develop their own 

in house weapons  or better still just maintain focus on  improving the lives of the Thai people as first priority instead of weapons of war.

Yes. Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia? From where is the attack to be defended against? 

Internal dissent is the most likely cause of change.

Post using antisemitic language removed @SunsetT

 

Wars are great showcases for the arms industry crooks. 

30 minutes ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Wars are great showcases for the arms industry crooks. 

Can any country make arms for free to defend itself.....?  🤫