Thailand’s state-run Defence Technology Institute (DTI) is set to hand over the first of its locally developed D11A Multi-Purpose Rocket and Missile Launcher systems to the Royal Thai Army (RTA) later this month, after the vehicle has passed user trials and received formal approval for operations up to 40 km, according to the DTI at the Defence & Security 2025 exhibition in Bangkok.

The initial hand-over follows extensive testing conducted by the RTA’s 71st Artillery Regiment at Loei and Lopburi provinces; those tests were designed to assess stability, firing behaviour and integration with existing command systems.

DTI officials noted that the delivered launcher will enter operational deployment by November.

The RTA plans to acquire an initial six D11A units, with industrial arrangements envisaging next-stage production taking place at military-run facilities.

DTI is concurrently developing a second D11A prototype with a significantly extended range of 150 km to 300 km, which was displayed at the exhibition.

The second prototype is scheduled for testing in 2026, subject to finding or accessing suitably large live-firing ranges — domestic sites are currently limited, and DTI stated the possibility of conducting testing abroad is under consideration.

The D11A launcher is built on a 10-tonne Tatra 6×6 truck chassis and is designed to fire multiple rocket and missile types, including Thailand-developed 122 mm rockets and potentially other calibres in future.

The system is based on the Israeli PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), adapted for Thai production via collaboration between DTI and Elbit Systems.

The hand-over marks a milestone in Thailand’s ongoing push to domestically develop advanced artillery capability and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

The RTA’s adoption of the D11A reinforces the army’s artillery modernization agenda and supports Thailand’s broader defence-industrial ambitions.