The Royal Thai Air Force has signed a $107 million contract to purchase the BARAK MX air and missile-defense system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The acquisition — one full BARAK MX battery — marks the most advanced air-defense capability ever added to Thailand’s arsenal.
BARAK MX will replace older systems and improve Thailand’s layered defense, protecting strategic installations against evolving threats such as drones, cruise missiles, long-range rockets and more. The system integrates sensors and interceptors and can engage threats at ranges of roughly 35 km, 70 km, and up to about 150 km, covering medium- to high-altitude threats.
The Thai Air Force said the procurement reflects a proactive effort to prepare for modern aerial threats as part of its national integrated air-defense program.
Given recent regional tensions—especially neighboring countries acquiring long-range missiles and rockets—Thailand views BARAK MX as essential for deterrence and defense of bases and strategic infrastructure.