BANGKOK, THAILAND – Developing drones in Thailand with characteristics similar to Iran’s Shahed models was considered technically feasible, but experts stressed that many factors still needed careful evaluation.
Technical capabilities
Iran’s Shahed drones, particularly the Shahed 136, were described as tools of asymmetric warfare that were neither highly complex nor especially expensive. Thai specialists were therefore seen as capable of reverse‑engineering comparable technology.
Thailand’s aviation sector and research institutes were already experienced in using composite materials and fiberglass to reduce radar reflections. This existing know-how formed a core technical basis for any domestic attack-drone program.
Cooperation between military and private sector
According to current reports, the Royal Thai Air Force worked with private companies on drones resembling the Shahed 136. These systems were planned to have an operational range of about 500 to 1,000 kilometers.
The project aimed to create locally produced attack drones for the Thai armed forces capable of carrying out precise bombing missions. Such capabilities were viewed as part of a broader effort to modernize Thailand’s strike options.
Engine and navigation system
The Shahed series used a small two‑stroke engine that was easily obtainable on the civilian market. For navigation, the system could be enhanced with existing technologies such as GPS and low‑cost inertial navigation units.
While these guidance systems were vulnerable to interference and jamming, they were still considered sufficient for so‑called suicide missions. Their relative simplicity and affordability were central to their appeal in asymmetric scenarios.
Research and development of new weapons
In view of ongoing threats, particularly those perceived from Cambodia, research and development of new weapons in Thailand were described as essential. Lessons from conflicts involving Iran, Israel and the United States showed that even heavily protected military facilities could be exposed to drone attacks.
Institutions such as the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) and the armed forces worked continuously on unmanned aerial vehicles. They cooperated with private industry to build modern surveillance drones alongside offensive systems.
Challenges and obstacles
Despite the technical possibility of producing drones, experts emphasized that making them effective in real operations remained a major challenge. In particular, the development of reliable anti‑jamming technologies was seen as crucial.
Mass production of drones at a competitive cost required broad support in terms of budget and robust supply chains. Without sustained investment and coordination, Thailand’s ambitions to field domestic attack drones would face significant hurdles.
Your view
The debate in Thailand also extended to public opinion on the long‑term impact of these systems. The original report invited readers to weigh the potential benefits for national security against the risks and ethical concerns linked to new weapons.
“What do you think of Thailand’s efforts to develop its own drones? Do you believe this can strengthen national security?”
said Thairath, the report’s source, calling for further discussion of the opportunities and challenges posed by this technology.