Thailand’s state-run Defence Technology Institute (DTI) has delivered a prototype of its D11A Multi-Purpose Rocket and Missile Launcher system to the Royal Thai Army (RTA) for trials and evaluations ahead of serial production, the institute announced on its social media channels on 9 August.
The handover ceremony was presided by Thai Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, who noted that the development of the D11A system embodies the government’s efforts to boost domestic defence industry and military capability.
The prototype D11A system was received by the RTA’s 71st Artillery Regiment in Lopburi, central Thailand. The service hopes to certify the system through 2024 with an eye on possible RTA production from 2025 onwards.
According to DTI, the D11A system is being positioned to meet a coastal artillery requirement. The first locally built prototype, which was unveiled at the Defence and Security exhibition in 2017 for the first time, is based on a 10-tonne Tatra 6×6 truck and has been in development since 2019 although work had been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but resumed earlier in 2022.
The prototype vehicle was also seen configured with an Elbit Systems PULS launcher armed with a four-round pod of 306 mm EXTended Range Artillery (EXTRA) rockets that can engage targets out to 150 km as well as a 20-tube launcher for 122 mm AccuLAR 122mm guided rockets with a 40 km range. Other munitions compatible with the PULs are 160 mm AccuLAR guided rockets and the 306 mm Predator Hawk, which has a range up to 300 km.
DTI had successfully partnered with Elbit Systems to develop the Autonomous Truck-Mounted Mortar (ATMM) using its Spear 120 mm mortar system, as well as the Autonomous Truck-Mounted Gun (ATMG) featuring its ATMOS 155 mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer.
by Jr Ng
