Defense & Security 2025: Chaiseri, Leonardo DRS partner on BMS for Thai Strykers

The RTA has operated the Stryker since August 2019. (General Dynamics Land Systems)

Leonardo DRS and Thai military vehicle manufacturer Chaiseri have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Defense & Security 2025 show in Bangkok signalling the next step in the integration of command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) solutions on board Royal Thai Army (RTA) platforms.

Signed on 11 November, the MOU will first deliver a battle management system (BMS) capability for the RTA's fleet of 8×8 Stryker infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) “as soon as the customer is ready”, an industry source told Janes. The upgrade will include the addition of Leonardo DRS's Mounted Family of Computer Systems and Systematic's Sitaware BMS suite, which Leonardo DRS will integrate.

The MOU follows a USD7 million contract award to Leonardo DRS in February 2025 to provide and integrate BMS C4I hardware and software into RTA combat vehicles as part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US government.

The integration of a BMS will improve the command-and-control capability of RTA Stryker vehicles, which have been in service since 2019. Industry sources confirmed a number of the General Dynamics Land Systems' vehicles have been deployed close to Thailand's extensive land border with Cambodia following skirmishes dating back to June this year.

By the end of 2025, the RTA will have received a total of 140 second-hand Stryker platforms from the US Army, most of which are operated by the 11th Infantry Regiment.

“The BMS provides command-and-control enabling the acceleration of tactical operations. It also provides situational awareness for friendly forces, aids with combat identification, and enables more rapid recovery of injured soldiers in adverse conditions and environments,” Leonardo DRS said earlier in 2025.