Israel Aerospace Industries has secured a major contract to supply the Royal Thai Air Force with its Barak MX air defense system, marking Thailand’s first acquisition of a medium-range air defense capability in decades.
The deal underscores Thailand’s urgent efforts to strengthen its airspace protection against a wide range of aerial threats after the country fought a war with neighboring Cambodia earlier this year.
The Barak MX has been adopted by several countries worldwide, including India, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, and Cyprus. It is recognized for its multi-layered and multi-mission design. Its net-centric configuration allows operators to select the most effective engagement method depending on operational needs, a feature IAI says reduces costs and optimizes battlefield efficiency.
IAI President and Chief Executive Boaz Levy described the agreement as a milestone for the company in East Asia, noting Thailand’s influence in the region.
“The Barak MX was selected after successfully meeting and exceeding the stringent requirements of the Thai Air Force, offering advanced network-centric capabilities and interoperability with local command-and-control systems. We are proud to deepen our collaboration and stand alongside Thailand, as it enhances its defense architecture with proven, next-generation capabilities,” he said.
The Barak MX package includes a command and control unit, multi-mission radar, launchers equipped with surface-to-air missiles, a missile reloading vehicle and a logistics support vehicle. All components are mounted on mobile platforms, allowing for rapid deployment and operational readiness.
IAI will work with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), which will provide maintenance and additional services.
According to a report in Asian Military Review news site, the RTAF Logistics Department said the first phase of the project would see the procurement of one Barak MX launcher battery that will be operated by the Antiaircraft Regiment of the Security Force Command.
“The air force must be prepared for future threats by procuring modern weapon systems to enhance air defense, which currently faces limitations in dealing with emerging threats effectively,” the report quoted the RTAF as saying.
Modernization
For Thailand, the acquisition represents a significant step in modernizing its defense infrastructure and expanding its ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
The Kingdom’s current air defense relies on a mix of legacy short-range systems and newly acquired medium-range capabilities, and the Barak MX marks a major modernization step as it is the first major acquisition in two decades.
“The Barak MX air defense system will provide Thailand with its first-ever medium-range air defense capability, offering comprehensive protection against both ballistic and aerial threats,” Levy said.
Thailand’s air defense architecture has historically been limited, relying primarily on short-range systems to protect key installations. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has operated older platforms such as the Vulcan Air Defense System (VADS) and M163/M167 guns, along with MANPADS like the FIM-92 Stinger for point defense. These systems provide protection against low-flying aircraft and helicopters but are not sufficient against modern threats such as cruise missiles or tactical ballistic missiles.
To strengthen its defenses, Thailand has invested in more advanced systems over the past decade. The KS-1A surface-to-air missile system, acquired from China, has been one of the country’s few medium-range solutions, though its capabilities are considered limited compared to newer Western or Israeli systems. Thailand has also fielded radar and surveillance assets to support its Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), but coverage and interoperability have remained challenges.
Barak 8
The recent decision to procure Israel’s Barak MX system represents a turning point. Reportedly valued at about 3.44 billion baht (USD $108 million), the contract will provide Bangkok with its first modern medium-range air defense capability, offering protection against UAVs, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 150 km.
Thailand has been acquiring Israeli defense technology since the 1970s, and the relationship has only grown stronger with the transfer of knowledge to locally manufacture and produce certain weapons systems.
The Barak-8 system was developed by IAI in collaboration with Israel's MOD India's DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization), the navies of both countries, IAI's ELTA Group, RAFAEL and local industries in India and Israel.