Satisfied with the performance of a prototype Phantom 380-X 4x4 APC deployed by the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) in the country’s troubled southern border region in 2014, its builder Panus Assembly later received an order for two further units.
The newer vehicles benefitted from minor modifications and added equipment to suit counterinsurgency operations, and they were redesignated as the Phantom 380X-1.
The RTMC, part of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), has been operating the pair of Phantom 380X-1 MRAP vehicles in the southern border region. They have responded well to mission requirements and benefitted from quick repair and maintenance, so the RTN plans to buy more in the near future.
The Phantom 380X-1 weighs 19t and can carry a payload of 1,800kg. Powered by a Cummins 380hp engine coupled to an Allison 6-speed transmission with power take-off, its troop compartment offers protection against 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds.
Phantom 380-X 4x4 MRAP (photo : Panus)
In addition, Panus is also modernising the V-150 4x4 APC into the HMV-150, which is deployed to the southern border region as well.
Panus is currently working on a new 8x8 APC designated the R 600. All Panus projects will be offered to the Thai armed forces for consideration.
The southern Thailand insurgency turned increasingly violent after 2004. Since then, it has cost more than 6,500 lives and more than 12,000 have been injured by ambushes and bombs.
Therefore, the procurement of armoured vehicles was a priority because many Thai soldiers died whilst using pickup trucks.
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) acquired approximately 200 Reva 4x4 APCs from South Africa, but the type, still in use, does not provide sufficient protection against explosive blasts. Therefore, local company Chaiseri Metal and Rubber had a chance to offer the First Win 4x4 MRAP, with the RTA buying a number of them. Similarly, Panus has offered the Phantom 380X to the RTN as well.
(Shephard)