Defence Technology Academic Journal

Benchmarking the Combat and Industrial Capabilities: A Case Study of Indigenous Rocket Development Projects in the Southeast Asian Region

Bodin Suntud — 2026-02-27

The objective of this research is to examine the combat capabilities and industrial potentials of rocket development projects in Southeast Asian countries, to assess their strategic impacts on regional security and to provide recommendations for coping with the situation and developing our capability. Using the "X and Y Axes" analytical framework, the study evaluates combat
capabilities across five factors: range, warhead, accuracy, mobility, and salvo capability, alongside
industrial capabilities through the "Ladder of Production" concept, which reflects the progression of defense industries. The analysis categorizes rocket development projects into four scenarios: projects with the highest strategic threats, underdeveloped projects, projects dependent on foreign technology, and low-risk projects, while proposing appropriate response strategies for each case. The findings indicate that
some rocket development projects, such as the Indonesia’s missile project called R-HAN 122 and the Singapore’s missile project called Blue Spear, significantly impact regional security and industrial
development. These projects demonstrate advanced domestic development capabilities that could pose threats if international relations deteriorate. Meanwhile, projects reliant on foreign technology or those that remain underdeveloped still exhibit strategic impacts, albeit with limited self-reliance. The study highlights that Thailand should assess these projects beyond mere military threat responses, emphasizing broader dimensions such as strategic alliances, joint development with Indonesia, and technology transfers from Singapore and Israel to enhance economic and industrial capacities. Advanced air defense systems and proactive measures, including cyber operations, may also serve
to balance regional power effectively. Thus, this research reframes rocket development projects
not only as military threats but also as opportunities to enhance Thailand’s economy, industry, and regional influence. It underscores the importance of building alliances, reducing international tensions, and implementing policies that address challenges comprehensively and sustainably.

Remote Sensing of Urban Forest Estimation via Space Technology: Biomass and Carbon Storage

Thanakrizt Peebkhunthod — 2026-02-28

Climate change, largely driven by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide, presents urgent
global challenges. This study estimated aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock of urban
trees using space technology Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from combined with field surveys.
Thirty 20 × 20 m plots were established for data collection, and vegetation indices with fractional
cover were derived from satellite data. Allometric equations were applied to estimate AGB and
carbon stock, while exponential regression examined the relationship between biomass and
vegetation indices. Results showed GNDVI as the most effective index. Field surveys indicated
4,650.75 tons of AGB and 2,185.85 tons of carbon, whereas satellite-based estimates yielded
2,798.23 tons and 1,315.17 tons, respectively. These findings demonstrate the benefits of integrating
space technology with field measurements for reliable assessment of urban biomass and
carbon storage. The approach provides useful insights for urban green space planning, natural
resource management, and strategies to mitigate climate change.

Strength Analysis of a Metal Bridge for the Modular Fast Bridge Launching Vehicle Using the Finite Element Method

Achirakris Julniphitwong — 2026-02-28

The Modular Fast Bridge (MFB) is military equipment used for tactical support missions,
enabling the transport of vehicles, equipment, or personnel across canals or disrupted routes. Additionally, it is utilized in disaster relief operations to assist civilians when transportation routes are cut off. This study presents a strength analysis of a steel bridge capable using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The analysis focuses on evaluating the stress and strain of the bridge structure. Furthermore, the strength of steel bridge was tested by placing 60-ton load on the middle of the bridge and the tested results were used to compare against the results obtained from FEM. The results from the calculations and experiments showed that both were in good agreement, and the maximum stress occurred at the midpoint of the bridge, where the two bridge sections are connected.