DTI Delivers First D11A Multi-purpose Multiple Rocket Launcher Vehicle to Royal Thai Army - MilitaryLeak.COM (2024)

On August 9, 2024, Thailand’s Defense Technology Institute (DTI) marked a significant milestone by delivering the prototype of the D11A Multi-Purpose Multiple Rocket Launcher Vehicle to the 711th Artillery Battalion, 71st Artillery Regiment, Artillery Division of the Royal Thai Army (RTA). The D11A is a Thai adaptation of the Israeli PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System, formerly known as Lynx MRL) self-propelled multiple rocket launcher system developed ELBIT Systems (formerly Israel Military Industries). The delivery ceremony, held at the Artillery Center, Fort Bhumibol in Lopburi Province, was presided over by Thai Minister of Defense, Mr. Sutin Khlangsaeng. This event is pivotal for the project as it undergoes evaluation by the Royal Thai Army’s Evaluation Test Committee, which will determine the future of its production. The system Vehicle features two modular launchers mounted on a 10-ton Tatra 6×6 truck chassis from the Czech Republic.

The D11A is designed for rapid pod changes—within 10 minutes—and supports a wide range of rockets including unguided (Russian GRAD) 122mm rockets, the Thai-developed DTI-2, and Chinese SHE-30 and SHE-40 rockets. The D11A performance remains near the same as Grad even in terms of vehicle’s speed and range. This rocket launcher can fire both individual rounds and volleys, principally by means of indirect fire. It is designed for concentrated fire coverage of large areas (up to 3 hectares) in one volley of 40 rockets by high explosive fragmentation shells (256 kg of explosives). The D11A also accommodates guided 122mm Accular missiles, which will be tested for live fire at the Khao Phulon Artillery Range later in 2024. The D11A can launch up to 36 rounds of 122mm Accular guided missiles, which have an effective range of 40 km and are known for their precision and versatility. The Accular family of missiles, developed by Elbit Systems, is renowned for its accuracy, with a CEP (Circular Error Probable) of 10 meters and a maximum range of 40 km. The D11A’s modular design allows it to handle different calibers and types of ammunition, making it a versatile addition to Thailand’s artillery arsenal.

Initially unveiled at the Defense & Security 2022 show in Bangkok, the D11A project began in 2019 with a USD 2.2 million development contract awarded to Elbit Systems. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, development resumed in early 2022. The system is tailored to meet Thailand’s coastal artillery requirements, with collaboration from the Royal Thai Navy’s Naval Research and Development Office. In addition to its primary capabilities, Israel’s Elbit Systems has also offered the EXTRA 306mm guided missiles, Predator Hawk 370mm tactical ballistic missiles and the SkyStriker autonomous loitering munitions. The EXTRA (Extended Range Artillery) missile has a maximum range of 150km with a 120kg unitary warhead. Predator Hawk tactical ballistic missile system has a maximum range of 300 km with a 140 kg unitary warhead. The SkyStriker drones offer extended operational range and can engage moving targets, adding a new dimension to the D11A’s tactical flexibility.

PULS is a multiple rocket launcher developed and manufactured by ELBIT Systems (formerly Israel Military Industries) and used by Israel Defense Forces and other countries. After the acquisition of Israel Military Industries by Elbit Systems in 2018, an upgraded and modernized version of the Lynx was developed, called the PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System). The EURO-PULS is being developed in cooperation between the German KNDS and ELBIT targeting the European market by integration of, additional missile types. In January 2023, Denmark announced it is negotiating the acquisition of 8 PULS systems for the Royal Danish Army. In March 2023, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced that it would acquire 20 PULS systems for the Royal Netherlands Army with the first systems to be delivered in the same year. On 10 October 2023, the government of Spain decided to order the locally manufactured version of the PULS systems for SILAM programme (es:SILAM). Israel introduced the PULS into IDF service in 2020 under the name Lahav, which is a PULS rocket module mounted on a HEMTT truck chassis. It was first used operationally in February 2024 during the Israel–Hamas War.

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