Defense & Security 2023: Thailand progresses D11A development

The D11A, pictured at the Defense & Security 2023 show in Bangkok, is intended to launch guided and unguided rocket systems of different calibres, with an effective range between 40 and 300 km. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)

The Defence Technology Institute (DTI) – an agency under the Thai Ministry of Defence – has furthered the development of the D11A, a local version of Elbit Systems' multicalibre Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS).

A DTI official told Janes at the Defense & Security 2023 exhibition in Bangkok on 6 November that development of the first D11A prototype was completed in late 2022 and that the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has recently set up a test and evaluation committee to assess whether the system meets the force's tactical requirements.

The official said an initial requirement for the RTA is for the D11A to be able to fire surface-to-surface Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided rockets within the RTA's inventory that have a range of 40 km. The capability at longer ranges is expected to be achieved incrementally.

A decision by the RTA's test and evaluation committee is expected before the end of the current fiscal year, which ends in September 2024. Subsequent stages of the procurement will include an assessment by the RTA standardisation committee and then contract signing, which is dependent on the available budget.

In tandem with this process, the DTI also plans to build a second D11A prototype in line with a development agreement signed with the RTA several years ago. This programme was previously delayed by supply chain challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic.