4 November 2009 One of the Thai's indigenous UAV (photo :
thaiuavgroup) Thailand's defence ministry is starting a
programme to develop an unmanned air vehicle capability, with
the goal of eventually establishing a dedicated air force
squadron. "Aerial reconnaissance plays the most important role
in data collection for commander decisions, and has a major
impact in a mission's success," it says. "To deploy aircraft,
pilots and crew over dangerous conflict areas is a risky and
costly operation. Modern and advanced UAV technology will help
to reduce that risk and cost." The ministry adds that "UAV
procurement, together with research work, will help prepare for
mission and personnel readiness. This will also help acquire the
technology to help the Royal Thai Air Force to establish a UAV
squadron." There are three objectives to the UAV programme, the
ministry says. The first is to buy and develop smaller UAVs and
associated equipment. Next, it wants to begin research and
development into medium and large UAVs. Fin