Thailand Acquires IAI Barak MX Air Defense System to Boost Security
JERUSALEM — Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced today that the Royal Thai Air Force will acquire its advanced Barak MX air defense system, marking a significant expansion of the Israeli defense contractor’s presence in East Asia.
Under the contract terms, IAI will deliver comprehensive air defense capabilities to Thailand, providing enhanced protection of the nation’s airspace against tactical ballistic missiles, air-breathing targets, unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter aircraft, and cruise missiles with operational range extending to 150 kilometers.
While IAI did not disclose the contract value, regional sources reported the deal at approximately THB3.44 billion, equivalent to $108 million USD. IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy characterized the agreement as “a significant milestone for IAI in East Asia, with Thailand being a key and influential country in the region.”
The acquisition reflects escalating security dynamics across Southeast Asia. Regional analysts note that neighboring countries, including Cambodia and Myanmar, have deployed long-range strike systems such as China’s PHL-03 missile system with a 130-kilometer range and North Korea’s Hwasong ballistic missiles with ranges spanning 300 to 700 kilometers. Thailand and Cambodia have experienced heightened tensions throughout 2025 concerning disputed border territories.
The Barak MX system represents Thailand’s first medium-range air defense capability, offering what IAI describes as advanced network-centric architecture and interoperability with local command-and-control infrastructure. The complete battery configuration includes a command and control unit, Multi-Mission Radar, launchers, interceptors, missile reloading vehicles, and logistic support vehicles—all mounted on high-mobility platforms enabling rapid deployment.
IAI has successfully marketed the Barak MX across multiple continents. Slovakia procured over $650 million worth of the system in 2024, while Azerbaijan invested more than $1 billion in 2024. Denmark, however, declined acquisition in October 2024.
The Israeli contractor has implemented a strategic partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to provide comprehensive local maintenance and operational support. IAI emphasized the system’s net-centric configuration enables operators to select optimal engagement methods based on operational requirements, thereby reducing costs and optimizing tactical efficiency.
IAI previously integrated Barak MX interceptors aboard Israel’s Sa’ar 6 corvettes in 2021 and has actively cultivated Asian market opportunities, showcasing the system at Singapore’s IMDEX conference in 2023. This Thailand contract underscores IAI’s successful penetration of the Asian-Pacific defense procurement landscape.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764914686243-1165