Army denies it's buying Russian tanks

Army denies it's buying Russian tanks

A Russian-built T-90S tank in service with the Indian Army. (Photo by cell105, commons.wikimedia.org)
A Russian-built T-90S tank in service with the Indian Army. (Photo by cell105, commons.wikimedia.org)

The army has no plan at this time to buy T-90 tanks from Russia, as reported by some newspapers, army spokesman Col Winthai Suwaree said on Monday.

Col Winthai said the reports by some media outlets were inaccurate, adding that any decision to buy what type of weapons and from which country rests with the army's committee tasked with considering the acquisition of armaments with thrift and transparency.

On reaching any decision through a process of deliberation, the army will let the public know, he said.

It was earlier reported that Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the deputy prime minister and defence minister, would visit Russia late this month and would take that opportunity to take a look at the T-90 tanks.

Gen Prawit said then it was normal for a host country to take its guests to view its weapons. This did not mean he was interested in buying any of them, he added.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is also scheduled to visit Russia in June.

Army sources said Gen Prawit and army chief Gen Theerachai Nakwanich had discussed the problem with the delivery of T-84 Oplot tanks from Ukraine.  The army had ordered about 50 T-84 Oplot tanks from Ukraine, but after two years only 10 had been delivered to Thailand.

This prompted the army to review the tank purchase plan and its weaponry committee had shown an interest in buying T-90 tanks from Russia or MBT3000 or VT4 tanks from China instead, the sources said.

According to the sources, Gen Theerachai visited China late last month, had a chance to see the Chinese tanks and showed interest in them. He subsequently instructed the army committee to look in to the details with China.

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