November 16, 2011: Thailand is buying Kronos radar systems from Italy for the air force and navy. These radars will provide more coverage for the coastal areas south of the capital (Bangkok) and the Cambodian border to the east. Kronos systems are AESA 3-D (providing latitude, longitude and altitude of aircraft) radars with a maximum range of 180 kilometers. Targets can be detected as low as seven meters (22 feet) altitude. This is mostly for the naval versions of Kronos, which are expected to detect low flying anti-ship missiles. The firm that builds Kronos (Selex) also provided radars and other equipment for Thailand's air traffic control system.

For the last five years, Thailand has been improving the radar coverage of its air space. Four years ago it ordered one AN/TPS77 radar from the United States. This is a portable military radar that can cover out to 450 kilometers, and up to 32.2 kilometers (100,000 feet). You can set up the phased array (AESA) radar panel in a remote location, and have the radar information, and the status of the radar, monitored elsewhere. The AN/TPS-77 operates, on average, about 11 weeks before needing the attention of any technicians. The AN/TPS-77 will complete Thai air defense system, giving the air force radar coverage over all its borders. The AN/TPS-77 costs about $100 million. The entire system can be moved using three tractor trailers. These trailers can be moved by air as well.