The Thai government is preparing a contract to purchase an additional batch of BTR-3E1 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for the Royal Thai Army.
Interfax-Ukraine has quoated Royal Thai Armed Force ordnance department director-general Ekachai Watcharaprateep as saying that the army has plans for an additional 121 APCs, valued at $170m.
A spokesman for state-owned company Ukrspecexport also said: “A relevant contract is expected to be signed by the end of June 2011. The contract’s details are currently being agreed.”
The BTR-3E1 is an upgraded version of the BTR-3E. It is powered by a German Deutz engine and equipped with a US Allison transmission.
The vehicle is fitted with the Shturm combat module, consisting of a 30mm gun, a machinegun, a rocket launcher and the Bars missile interceptor.
Ukraine has already delivered 14 BTR-3E1s, two maintenance vehicles, three simulators and ammunition under a contract signed between the two nations in 2006.
