The Royal Thai Navy is moving forward with plans to procure additional domestically developed AWAV 8×8 amphibious armoured vehicles as part of a broader effort to enhance its amphibious warfare capabilities and reinforce national defence self-reliance. The planned acquisition reflects an ongoing requirement to strengthen operational readiness amid evolving regional security dynamics, particularly along Thailand’s eastern maritime approaches. The additional platforms are expected to support a wide range of missions, including maritime sovereignty protection, amphibious operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) tasks.
The AWAV 8×8 amphibious vehicle has been designed and developed by Thailand-based Chaiyaseri Metal and Rubber Co., Ltd., underscoring the country’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The programme incorporates a significant domestic industrial contribution, with at least 40% of the vehicle’s production value derived from locally sourced materials, supporting Thailand’s defence industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Technically, the AWAV features an 8×8 wheeled configuration, providing high mobility across varied terrain and enabling seamless integration with amphibious task groups. The platform is designed to operate in conjunction with the navy’s landing platform docks (LPDs), enhancing ship-to-shore manoeuvre capabilities during expeditionary operations.
In terms of survivability and combat capability, the vehicle complies with NATO STANAG protection standards for ballistic and mine protection and is equipped with a remotely operated weapon system. It also integrates secure communications systems compatible with the Royal Thai Navy’s existing command-and-control architecture. Additionally, the platform meets MIL-STD environmental standards requirements, indicating suitability for operations across diverse climatic and operational conditions. The Royal Thai Navy has previously inducted seven AWAV vehicles into service, with operational feedback indicating satisfactory performance in terms of readiness, mobility, and mission effectiveness.
Currently, Royal Thai Marine Corps operates 7 AWAV 8×8 amphibious armoured vehicles. The planned follow-on procurement is therefore intended to expand fleet availability in line with future force structure requirements and deployment concepts. Beyond operational considerations, the programme is also aligned with Thailand’s broader policy objectives of advancing domestic defence industrial capacity and fostering long-term technological self-sufficiency. The acquisition is expected to contribute to both national security and economic resilience by strengthening local manufacturing expertise and sustaining defence-related supply chains.
