The government has allocated Bt31 billion from the 2026 fiscal budget for arms procurement programs.
The Thai Army receives the largest portion, estimated at Bt12.5 billion, followed by the Navy at Bt9.89 billion, and the Air Force at Bt8.7 billion.
The Army plans to purchase three new US-made Black Hawk helicopters, estimated at Bt5 billion, and two used ones for about Bt2.4 billion.
It has also earmarked an unspecified amount for the maintenance of its MI-17 helicopters and VT-4 tanks.
The Navy is moving forward with its procurement of three Chinese-made Yuan-class submarines, at a total cost of about Bt36 billion, as approved by the Cabinet in 2015.
The Navy and Chinese submarine manufacturer, China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company, have agreed to amend the contract, replacing the originally specified German-made engines with Chinese-made CHD-620 engines.
The delivery of the first submarine has also been delayed by 1,217 days, now expected by the end of 2028.
Additionally, the Navy plans to procure one frigate from China, at a cost of about Bt17.5 billion.
The Air Force signed a contract in August with Swedish arms manufacturer Saab AB for the purchase of four Gripen E/F fighter jets, costing Bt19.5 billion, with delivery expected within the next four years.
This purchase is part of the Air Force’s three-phase program to acquire a total of 12 Gripen fighters over ten years, at an estimated total cost of Bt60 billion.
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