Regarding Cambodia's claim of destroying a Thai reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on 18/12, Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit announced on 19/12 that the downed aircraft was a DP-20 model, also known as D-eyes 04.
He noted that Cambodia possesses air defense weapons, and some losses in conflict are unavoidable, even with preventive measures.
The Joint Press Center for the Thailand-Cambodia border situation later confirmed that the DP-20 UAV experienced a "loss of control" on the evening of 17/12 and crashed in Poipet city, Cambodia. The last signal from the aircraft was received approximately 10 km east of Poipet.
The Thai army is investigating the cause of the UAV's loss of control, which could stem from various factors. Once a clear conclusion is reached, the information will be used to improve the aircraft's performance in future operations.
The scene believed to be where the Thai UAV crashed in Cambodia, from a video posted on 19/12. Video: Khmer Times
Meanwhile, Cambodia's Khmer Times reported that a large Thai military reconnaissance UAV crashed and caught fire in a residential area of Poipet city on the evening of 18/12, after the border town was attacked by Bangkok's F-16 fighter jets earlier that day. The aircraft was reportedly completely destroyed by the fire.
According to the Joint Press Center for the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, the DP-20 UAV was developed by the Defense Technology Institute of Thailand and is currently in its research and testing phase. It is being used to support Thai army operations.
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The object believed to be the wreckage of a Thai UAV in Cambodia, from a photo posted on 19/12. Photo: Thairath
Thai media reported the DP-20 has a wingspan of 13.4 m, a length of 6.5 m, is made of composite materials, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 750 kg. It boasts a cruising speed of 150-180 km/h, a maximum operational time of 20 hours, and a flight ceiling of over 6,000 m.
The aircraft is equipped with high-performance optical-infrared cameras, capable of recording day and night. It can also be fitted with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to detect targets in cloudy or rainy conditions. The UAV can undertake missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and search and rescue.
The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand reignited on 7/12 and remains tense. Mediation efforts by the US and other countries have yet to make progress, as both Thailand and Cambodia blame each other for escalating the conflict and demand the other side cease fire first.
Pham Giang (According to Nation Thailand, Khmer Times)
