Thailand gets US approval for sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles, but no funding available
A Javelin anti-tank missile during exercises. Photo c/o US Army. |
The US State Department has made an approval for a possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Government of Thailand for FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles and related equipment, with an estimated cost of US$83.5 million.
According to the press release by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the US State Department has notified the US Congress of the potential deal in which the Thai Government has requested for the sale of 300 FGM-148 Javelin fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missiles, and 50 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU).
Also included are Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers, missile simulation rounds, Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) Technical Assistance, and several other items, spares, services, and logistics support.
The new missiles are expected to replace the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) obsolete 106mm Recoilless Rifles which were acquired since the Vietnam War era.
The missiles would improve the RTA’s light anti-tank capabilities and maintain force posture, while also enhancing interoperability with US forces during training and combat operations.
Thailand is considered a Major US Non-NATO Ally in the Southeast Asia region, and a strategic partner committed to contributing to regional security.
The release of an approval does not constitute a sale, and be dependent on the Thai Government’s the Thai and US Governments are expected to fine-tune the deal during succeeding negotiations and discussions.
According to a report from The Bangkok Post, the initial tranche funding for the acquisition of new Javelin missiles under fiscal year 2022 has been put on hold by the Thai Government, as it cuts spending on defense to allow the financing on COVID-19 pandemic expenses.
The report also said that the RTA planned to finance the acquisition by instalment from 2022 to 2024. The cut on funding for 2022 was not objected by the RTA and will be re-submitted for funding request proposals starting 2023 instead.
[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] The Bangkok Post
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