Leonardo and the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the AW101 helicopter if it is selected for use by the Thai Armed Forces.
Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will transfer technology and set up helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the country.
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Leonardo Helicopters UK managing director John Ponsonby said: “It is a great honour to sign this MoU, which has the potential to significantly expand our existing business with the Thai Armed Forces, to reinforce our partnership with the country and to help further develop Thailand’s helicopter MRO capabilities.”
The AW101 is equipped with advanced integrated avionics, navigation, communications, safety and security systems.
The helicopter’s defensive aids suite comprises radar warning receiver (RWR), laser warning system (LWS), missile approach warning system (MAWS), countermeasures dispensing system (CMDS), and directed infra-red countermeasures (DIRCM).
According to Leonardo, the AW101 provides secure communications, in-flight information and entertainment, medical equipment, and ballistic protection.
To date, Leonardo supplied air surveillance, naval and land radar systems, helicopters and maritime patrol radars to Thailand.
The company has implemented a number of programmes such as the air defence RAT31DL system, the KRONOS multifunctional, scalable, C-band, solid-state radar system, the HALO acoustic weapon locating system, and the thermal sight system (TSS) for the Scorpion light tanks.
Leonardo currently has several helicopter types in service with the Thai Armed Forces, including the AW139 with the Royal Thai Army and the Super Lynx 300 with the Royal Thai Navy.
