At the Defense & Security Exhibition in Bangkok, Italian company Leonardo announced a contract to supply the Royal Thai Air Force with a RAT 31DL air defense radar system. This long-range radar is set to be installed in Samui to enhance security in Thailand’s southern region.
This agreement follows a previous contract in 2015, when the same radar system was delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force. Its consistent and reliable performance, even under challenging environmental conditions, has demonstrated the effectiveness of the RAT 31DL.
Designed as part of modern military air defense systems, the RAT 31DL is an advanced L-band, solid-state phased array 3D surveillance radar with a detection range exceeding 500 km. Its flexible and modular structure allows the simultaneous generation of multiple radar beams, supporting frequency agility modes that enhance resistance against Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARM) and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM).
As a member of a long-range radar family, the system provides protection against air and missile threats, including ballistic missiles. It is equipped to handle complex operational scenarios, including environments with high levels of interference and jamming. Its solid-state technology ensures high reliability, with a ‘graceful degradation’ feature that maintains overall performance even if some modules fail.
Over 50 RAT 31DL units have been sold globally. As NATO’s primary air defense sensor, it meets alliance radar standards and ensures interoperability. Both fixed and mobile versions are in service, including a deployable variant used by several European air forces.
(Source: Leonardo)
