Thailand Unveils First ‘Black Widow Spider’ Armored Car At DSA 2015

Thai Defence Technology Institute (DTI) has introduced the first “Black Widow Spider” armored car that is to be built in Thailand at the Defense and Security 2015 exhibition.

Gen Sompong Mukdasakul, the DTI director was quoted as saying Monday by Bangkok Post news daily that the Black Widow Spider 8x8 armoured car has the same specifications as those made for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The vehicle was jointly developed by Thai researchers from the DTI, the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre and private organisations with expertise in automotive safety.

The DTI's Black Widow Spider can be used both on land and water, is capable of holding 12 people and is equipped with a 30mm machine gun.

It is resistant to all kinds of small arms and a .57 calibre machinegun fire, and is capable of negotiating steep and sloping terrain.

"During 2015-2016, the DTI has carried out more than 20 projects on research and development of defence technology. Many of the fruits of these efforts, which are on display at this exhibition, have been handed over to the armed forces for their use,” Thai Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs, Prawit Wongsuwon said.