Thailand makes Orbiter 3 unmanned aerial system operational


One of the RTN's Orbiter 3 UAV. Photo c/o สำนักงานวิจัยและพัฒนาการทางทหารกองทัพเรือ FB page


The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has confirmed that they have acquired the Aeronautics Defense Systems Orbiter 3 small tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) from Israel, and that these are now operational.

This was confirmed by the RTN’s Fleet Operations division last 7 November 2019.

Photo of the Orbiter 3 in RTN service has come out during the visit of RTN’s Sattahip Naval Base by Civil Service Commission Director Police General Woraphon Thongpricha. 

The RTN together with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have tested several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israel’s Aeronautics Defense Systems including the Orbiter 2, Aerostar, and Dominator.  

The Orbiter 3 Small Tactical UAS can carry payloads up to 5 kg in weight, including multi-sensor stabilized EO payloads carrying laser target-designation systems.
The latest variant of the Orbiter 3 STUAS is fitted with digital datalink, extended endurance of 7 hours and operational radius of 150 km.
The system is fully compatible with industry standards, including STANAG 4586 (NATO) for UAS controls and H.246 for the video streaming.



[1] AAG_TH Thai Defence Page
[2] สำนักงานวิจัยและพัฒนาการทางทหารกองทัพเรือ FB page
[3] Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd

Thailand makes Orbiter 3 unmanned aerial system operational Thailand makes Orbiter 3 unmanned aerial system operational Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on December 04, 2019 Rating: 5

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