The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has selected the Barak MX air and missile defense system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), as part of its program to enhance the protection of its bases and strategic assets. The decision, confirmed by the RTAF Logistics Department in a notice published in late November, involves the initial acquisition of one battery valued at THB 3.4 billion (approximately USD 107 million).
Progress in the Base Defense Program
The purchase of the Barak MX falls under the Military Base Defence Development Project, a plan established in the RTAF White Paper of June 2025. This document defined the requirement to incorporate a ground-based air defense system before 2028, capable of employing surface-to-air missiles with a minimum range of 30 nautical miles (approximately 56 kilometers).
Introduced by IAI in 2018, the Barak MX is a modular and scalable system that integrates sensors, launchers, and missiles into a unified architecture. According to the manufacturer, the system can operate with three main interceptors:
- Barak MR, with a maximum range of 35 km
- Barak LR, with a range of 70 km
- Barak ER, with a range of 150 km
The Thai acquisition includes the initial integration of a complete battery and represents the first step toward expanding air defense coverage and redundancy around critical installations.
A strategic reinforcement amid regional tensions
The decision to strengthen air defense comes amid rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. In July, clashes erupted in border areas between the two countries, heightening concerns over the security of Thai air bases.
The brief but intense episode included the use of artillery by Cambodia, which employed 122 mm multiple rocket launch systems such as the BM-21 Grad, RM-70, and the Chinese-made Type 90B. The RTAF emphasized that these attacks underscored the need for modern systems capable of intercepting both aerial and missile threats.
July air escalation: strikes and fighter deployments
During the confrontation, Thailand employed combat aircraft for the first time in more than a decade to carry out direct strikes against Cambodian military targets. According to official information, six F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters were deployed, one of which conducted a precision strike in the Ta Moan Thom area. Bangkok described the operation as a “precision strike,” while Cambodia labeled it a “premeditated military aggression.”
Subsequent images revealed that some Thai F-16s were armed with Mark 82 bombs fitted with Lizard III guidance kits. Analysts noted that these actions demonstrated the RTAF’s ability to project air power in crisis zones and the government’s willingness to rely on air assets amid regional escalation.
The situation continued over the following days, with additional Thai air strikes. One operation recorded on July 26 over Phu Ma Kua involved two F-16s and two JAS 39 Gripen fighters targeting Cambodian positions based on intelligence reports. Another strike was carried out against the Ta Muen Thom temple, where artillery emplacements had been identified. Both operations concluded without losses for the RTAF.
A system aligned with Thailand’s strategic priorities
The introduction of the Barak MX appears as a direct response to the requirements exposed during this period of tension. By combining short-, medium-, and long-range interception capabilities within a single system, the RTAF aims to enhance the protection of its bases against threats such as rockets, artillery, aircraft, and missiles.
The selection of the Israeli system also marks the beginning of a broader modernization cycle for Thailand’s ground-based air defense, which could be expanded in the coming years as the official military infrastructure protection program progresses.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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