The Royal Thai Air Force has signed a 3.44-billion-baht ($107-million) deal to procure Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX air defense system under its IADS modernization program. Designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and long-range threats, the Barak MX employs interceptors with ranges of 35, 70, and up to 150 kilometers. Once operational, the system will provide a medium-to-high-tier defensive layer, easing pressure on short-range systems and enhancing coverage of key military bases. Its capabilities were recently validated during Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation, where it intercepted incoming Iranian missiles. The contract holds strategic value for Thailand, which faces evolving regional threats as Cambodia and Myanmar expand long-range strike capacities through platforms such as China’s PHL-03 rocket system and North Korea’s Hwasong ballistic missiles.
