Bangkok: The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy has declared this year as the Year of Combat Readiness, highlighting the acceleration in the development of strategic components and the integration of drone technology to safeguard Thai sovereignty.
According to Thai News Agency, Admiral Pairoj Fuangchan, the Navy's Commander-in-Chief, shared insights following a ceremony commemorating the 119th Navy Day anniversary. He emphasized the need for advancements in personnel, material, tactics, and management to maintain combat readiness. The strategy involves leveraging the Chakri Naruebet as a base for unmanned technology, including UAVs, USVs, and UUVs, to enhance operational efficiency with minimal resources.
Despite the growing reliance on drones, Admiral Fuangchan reiterated the importance of traditional warships in monitoring and responding swiftly to territorial threats. The Royal Thai Navy plans to strengthen UAV capabilities on ships and in land patrols to ensure operational safety.
Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiphan, spokesman for the Navy, indicated that plans to use the HTMS Chakri Naruebet as a drone base are under consideration. The deployment would include armed drones like Marcus to support operations.
Amidst preparations for the Chakrabongse Bhuvanath maneuver, the Navy postponed a visit to HTMS Chakri Naruebet to ensure readiness. The fleet remains on standby to address any potential tensions, with full deployment of artillery and drone support along the Thai-Cambodian border to safeguard sovereignty. The Navy coordinates closely with relevant army areas to ensure comprehensive defensive measures.