BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s army formally received three new domestically developed weapons systems on 13 November 2025 in Bangkok, signalling a major shift toward local defence production and advanced military technology.
New defence systems revealed in Bangkok
At a handover ceremony in Bangkok attended by General Anupap Sirimonton, Chief of Staff to the Royal Thai Army Commander, three new systems entered service: the D11A multi-purpose rocket launcher, the CS/AH2 105mm light artillery, and the DTI-1G guided multiple rocket system.
“The institute worked closely with the army to develop these systems,”
said General Napon Sangsawong, Chairman of the Defence Technology Institute (DTI).
DTI confirmed that a significant portion of the equipment was produced domestically following international technology transfer agreements.
Range and capabilities
The D11A launcher, developed jointly with Israel’s Elbit Systems, can deploy rockets of multiple calibres:
– 122mm rockets with a range of 40 kilometres
– 306mm rockets with a range of 150 kilometres
– 370mm guided rockets with a range of 300 kilometres
The D11A vehicle integrates target acquisition and engagement technology, allowing crews to complete attacks and withdraw within a single mission cycle.
The CS/AH2 105mm howitzer, which uses Chinese design input but was assembled inside Thailand, supplements mobile light artillery units. The DTI-1G long-range rockets, also based on Chinese designs, were reported to have undergone practical testing along Thailand’s border regions earlier in 2025.
Restricted to national defence
During the ceremony, officials reaffirmed the country’s position on the defensive purpose of the new equipment.
“The government emphasises that these weapons serve deterrence and the protection of sovereignty,”
said General Napon Sangsawong, Chairman of DTI.
Deployment schedules and operational training will be coordinated with army regional commands. Field data from recent border incidents will feed into design adjustments and future system upgrades.
New tactical robot delivered to Nakhon Ratchasima
DTI confirmed through Amarin reports that a tactical robot had been completed and assigned to the 2nd Army Region in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The tracked, camera‑equipped robot can patrol within a 5‑kilometre operational radius and is armed for short‑range defence support. According to project engineers, it is designed to reduce frontline troop exposure during perimeter and reconnaissance missions.
DTI’s active development portfolio also includes:
– Mine-clearing systems
– Anti-drone interceptors
– Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Expansion plans for homegrown defence
Under the 2026–2030 roadmap, DTI confirmed work on high-altitude surveillance balloons and advanced observation systems to strengthen national monitoring capacity.
“DTI develops only weapon technologies requested by the army,”
said General Napon Sangsawong, Chairman of DTI.
He added that this approach ensures both cost efficiency and greater autonomy in Thailand’s domestic defence production chain. With these 2025 deliveries, the Royal Thai Army demonstrated tangible progress toward technical self-reliance in regional security operations.