Updated 11 January 2026

Defense & Security 2025

Bangkok was the venue for the 2025 edition of Defense & Security. This Thai defence exhibition was held from 10-13 November 2025, and it was the year’s final trade show for King Arthur’s Writes in what proved to be a very busy 2025. The Bangkok show appeared smaller than the preceding one held in 2023.

Nonetheless, there were a couple of important projects represented. Saab had recently won a contract for four Gripen E/F jet fighters, so it represented a mock-up of a Gripen on the show floor. The Royal Thai Air Force actually requires a full squadron of twelve fighters, but the Thai government will be buying these aircraft in tranches over multiple years. The Gripen had been competing fiercely with the F-16 Block 70/72, but eventually the Swedish aircraft emerged the victor over its American rival.

Another project gathering momentum is new frigates for the Royal Thai Navy. Contenders such as Hanwha Ocean, Hyundai Heavy Industries, CSSC from China and Turkish shipbuilders were presenting their wares.

Of interest, the Chinese had a major presence at Defense & Security 2025, with the Thai military having bought large amounts of equipment from China in recent years. One item still awaited is an S26T submarine, with the project having faced severe delays due to the fact that Germany refused permission for MTU to supply diesel generators for it. Bangkok has now instead accepted a Chinese engine alternative. When asked about the programme, one disingenuous employee from CSSC said he would find someone to talk to King Arthur’s Writes. After disappearing for several minutes, he was later seen poking his head out of the meeting room, hoping that this reporter would have given up and moved on by then!