New Developments in Thai Armored Vehicle Capabilities
At the Defense & Security 2025 exposition in Bangkok, Thai defense manufacturer Chaiseri showcased a range of cutting-edge military vehicles aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of both domestic and international forces.
Overview of New Platforms
Chaiseri introduced several new military vehicles, including:
- Guardian-T 8×8 Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV)
- Jackal 4×4 High-Mobility Armored Vehicle
- Ridgeback 4×4 High-Mobility Vehicle
- Hisaar 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle
A representative from Chaiseri indicated that the Guardian-T, Jackal, and Ridgeback are being engineered to meet specific requirements set forth by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Additionally, production of the Hisaar MRAP is intended for the Pakistan Army.
In-Depth Look at the Guardian-T
The Guardian-T prototype, which was finalized in 2025, is developed from Chaiseri’s 8×8 Armoured Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle (AWAV), which was revealed in 2023 and is currently in service with the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC).
Key Features:
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Armament: The Guardian-T prototype comes equipped with:
- A stabilized turret housing a 105 mm low-pressure gun and an autoloader.
- A 7.62 mm co-axial weapon.
- Four anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
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Development Stage: As of now, core system suppliers for the turret and the gun have not been confirmed. The Guardian-T has yet to undergo military trials, although Chaiseri anticipates that testing with the RTA will commence shortly. Furthermore, prospects exist for supplying this vehicle to the RTMC.
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Specifications:
- Length: 7.6 meters
- Width: 3 meters
- Height: 2.58 meters
- Capacity: Can support a crew of six, including the driver.
- Protection: Meets STANAG level 2 standards for ballistic and mine safety.
Strategic Implications
The introduction of these new platforms underlines Chaiseri’s commitment to meeting both domestic military requirements and international defense needs. As regional security dynamics evolve, the capability enhancement through vehicles such as the Guardian-T may afford the RTA and allied forces a significant edge in operational versatility and combat readiness.
By tapping into the growing demands for modern military capabilities, especially those aligned with mine resistance and operational mobility, Chaiseri is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the defense market.
As military forces increasingly prioritize advanced vehicular technology, ongoing developments in Chaiseri’s offerings will merit close attention from defense analysts and stakeholders.
