Thailand Chooses Israel’s Barak MX in $107 Million Deal to Strengthen National Air Defence

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has formally signed a contract to supply the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with the advanced Barak MX air-and-missile defence system, marking a significant expansion of Thailand’s ground-based air-defence capability and a new milestone in Israel–Thailand defence cooperation. The acquisition will provide Thailand with its first-ever medium-range air-defence system, capable of intercepting both Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBMs) and Air-Breathing Targets at ranges of up to 150 kilometres.

Thailand Steps Into the Medium-Range Air Defence Era

The Barak MX is a modular, network-centric air-and-missile defence system designed to counter multiple simultaneous threats. It integrates Multi-Mission Radar, C2 (Command-and-Control), and smart launchers to form a flexible, layered defensive shield.

The system uses a family of interceptors — MRAD, LRAD, and ER missiles — giving operators the ability to select the right interceptor for each situation. This architecture allows Barak MX to engage aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles from short to extended ranges.

IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy said the agreement represents “a significant milestone for IAI in East Asia, with Thailand being a key and influential country in the region.” He added that the Barak MX will provide the RTAF with “comprehensive protection against both ballistic and aerial threats.”

Levy emphasized that the system exceeded Thailand’s operational requirements, highlighting its advanced network-centric capabilities, interoperability with local command systems, and suitability for Thailand’s long-term defence framework.

What the Contract Includes

The procurement package for Thailand includes:

• Command and Control (C2) Unit

• Multi-Mission Radar (MMR)

• Barak MX Launchers

• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)

• Missile Reloading Vehicle

• Logistic Support Vehicle

All components are mounted on high-mobility platforms, allowing rapid deployment, quick repositioning, and fast operational readiness — critical requirements for modern air defence.

The deal is valued at approximately 3.44 billion Thai baht (about US $107 million) and secures a full operational battery for the RTAF.

IAI is partnering with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to provide long-term maintenance, technical support, and local services — strengthening Thailand’s domestic capability to sustain high-end defence systems.

Barak MX: A Proven, Multi-Layered Defence System

The Barak MX is already in service with multiple international customers and has gained a reputation as a combat-proven, cost-efficient, and scalable solution. Designed around a multi-layered and multi-mission architecture, it allows armed forces to respond flexibly to diverse aerial threats across broad operational environments.

Its “Economy of Battle” concept helps reduce long-term operational costs by using a unified launcher for all interceptor types.

For Thailand — which is modernizing its Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) — the Barak MX offers:

• Ballistic-missile defence capability for the first time

• Stronger protection of air bases and national infrastructure

• Increased deterrence against regional missile proliferation

• Seamless integration with future Thai and allied systems

Strategic Impact for Thailand and the Region

The acquisition positions Thailand among Southeast Asia’s more advanced air-defence operators. As neighbouring countries expand missile and UAV inventories, Thailand’s deployment of the Barak MX strengthens its strategic posture and helps safeguard key national assets.

For Israel and IAI, the contract enhances their footprint in East Asia and deepens ties with a country the firm considers “a key regional partner.”

Thailand’s decision to acquire the Barak MX air-and-missile defence system marks a transformative step in its defence modernization. By adding a 150-km-range, network-centric, ballistic-and-aerial defence shield, the RTAF is significantly boosting its ability to confront emerging regional threats.

With strong industrial cooperation, cutting-edge technology, and proven battlefield performance, the Barak MX now becomes a core pillar in Thailand’s evolving air-defence architecture.

If you want, I can also create a shorter, headline-focused version or a more dramatic newspaper-style edition.