RV Connex and Sammitr Motors Announce Strategic Collaboration — Thailand's First Step Toward Launch System Sovereignty

Pathum Thani, 7 August 2026 — R V Connex Co., Ltd., Thailand's leading defence technology and unmanned aircraft systems company, and Sammitr Motors Manufacturing PCL, a specialist in automotive engineering and ground support systems, have formally announced a strategic collaboration to jointly develop and deliver a complete unmanned aircraft solution, integrating UAV platforms with a domestically produced Catapult Launch System and full ground support equipment, in support of Royal Thai Armed Forces intelligence, surveillance, and security operations.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening Thailand's defence industry, with both companies bringing distinct and complementary areas of expertise to the partnership.

Under the collaboration, Sammitr Motors will be responsible for the design and manufacture of the Catapult Launch System for unmanned aircraft of various sizes. The system features a corrosion-resistant steel primary structure with an aluminium launch rail, mounted on a dual-axle trailer equipped with four hydraulic outriggers for rapid field deployment. The launch mechanism utilises a pneumatic drive system, providing precise launch-force control, rapid reset and reload capability, and high operational safety for field use.

A key demonstration of Sammitr's engineering expertise lies in the continuous refinement of the launcher's Shuttle Base braking system. The original air-buffer design was unable to absorb sufficient kinetic energy when the shuttle travelled at speeds of up to 25 metres per second within a stopping distance of only 1,150 millimetres, resulting in rebound and impact during deceleration. To overcome this challenge, Sammitr developed an upgraded hydraulic shock absorption system incorporating coil springs and a precision needle-valve flow control mechanism. The redesigned system employs a 55 mm hydraulic cylinder with a 400–600 mm stroke, complemented by an end-of-travel impact spring. The result is a significantly safer and smoother stopping mechanism that virtually eliminates rebound, demonstrating Sammitr's capability not only to manufacture advanced systems but also to independently solve complex engineering challenges through in-house research and development.

RV Connex is responsible for the design and manufacture of the unmanned aircraft platforms, together with the ground control station, communications architecture, and mission systems that enable fully integrated operational capability. The launch system has already been successfully utilised during flight testing of several RV Connex platforms, including the Red Kite, ARUN, and Pathum 3 unmanned aircraft systems.

The strategic significance of this collaboration extends well beyond technology development. By designing and manufacturing the complete launch system in Thailand, both companies significantly reduce production lead times, eliminate import duties and the substantial international transportation costs associated with large launch systems, and minimise dependence on overseas suppliers. More importantly, domestically produced launch systems reduce exposure to foreign export control regimes, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) of the United States, under which many dual-use launch systems are subject to export restrictions. The collaboration also strengthens Thailand's domestic defence industrial base, reinforces supply chain resilience, and supports the nation's long-term objective of defence self-reliance.

Mr. Komkrit Sanmuang, Director of Research and Development, R V Connex Co., Ltd., stated:

"Our collaboration with Sammitr Motors is far more than a supplier relationship—it represents the creation of genuine industrial capability for Thailand's defence sector. Once we are able to manufacture catapult launch systems domestically, we gain control over quality standards, production schedules, and our own supply chain without being constrained by foreign export policies. I firmly believe this partnership will become a cornerstone of a fully integrated unmanned aircraft ecosystem designed, built, and sustained in Thailand for the Royal Thai Armed Forces."

Mr. Yutthakorn Phosirisuk, Deputy Managing Director, Heavy Vehicle and Spare Parts Business Division, Sammitr Motors Manufacturing Public Company Limited, added:

"Many assume that launch systems of this sophistication must be imported. Our collaboration with RV Connex proves otherwise. Thai engineers possess the expertise to design, test, and resolve highly complex engineering challenges entirely within Thailand—from refining the Shuttle Base braking system to validating operational safety throughout every launch cycle. Every stage of this development has taken place at our manufacturing facility here in Thailand."

Both companies look forward to expanding this collaboration further and remain committed to advancing innovation and building a defence industry that Thailand can be proud of — strong, self-reliant, and built to last.