Development of Thai DTI-1G MLRS

08 Juni 2024

DTI-1G was developed from Chinese WS-1B and uses a 4-barrel 302 mm rocket with a maximum range of 180 kilometers (all photos: DTI Thailand)

The Multiple Launch Ground to Ground Guided Rocket System DTI-1G research and development project has been a collaboration between the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) since 2012. The objective is to complete the development of the Multiple Launch Ground to Ground Guided Rocket System DTI-1G, and obtain certification of defence equipment standard, and to enter the deployment in the Royal Thai Army. This initiative aims to enhance the firepower capabilities of the Royal Thai Armed Forces emphasizing maximum self-reliance and minimal dependence on foreign technology.

The DTI-1G project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 involves the transfer of technology from the PRC (People's Republic of China). Phase 2 leverages the knowledge gained in Phase 1 as a foundation to develop the domestic industry with the ability to design and develop rocket launcher vehicles, rocket carrier vehicles, command control vehicles, and logistics and maintenance systems. The design and develop are completed by DTI in collaboration with domestic industrial private sectors, emphasizing reliance on foreign technology partners only as necessary.

After a team of engineers from four organizations, comprising DTI and three Thai companies Cho Thavee Public Company Limited, Preechataworn Industry Company Limited, and Aero Fluid Company Limited—successfully developed a rocket launcher vehicle in Thailand and installed a Fire Control System (FCS) at the technology partner's factory in Chengdu, PRC, the project reached an important testing phase.

This phase involves the Qualification Test to verify the system's quality level before proceeding to the Acceptance Test with the Army. The Acceptance Test, planned to be conducted with Phase 1's rocket launcher vehicles, was conducted at the weapons testing range in PRC at a range of 150 kilometers during 23-27 April 2024.

The test firing results of the DTI-1G rocket system demonstrated that every guided rocket hit its target accurately at a distance of 150 kilometers.

The progress of the DTI-1G rocket system project, which has successfully passed the critical flight test, serves as a quality and performance indicator of the collaborative efforts between DTI and the Royal Thai Army in several aspects:

(1)  Confirms the operational efficiency of the DTI-1G rocket system, meeting the required standards. 

(2)  Verifies the capabilities of Thai engineers, the industry, and the related supply chain in Thailand, proving the readiness in design and develop a multiple-launched guided rocket system in collaboration with international partners.

(3)  Verifies the capabilities of Thai engineers in maintaining and ensuring the continuous operability of the DTI-1G rocket system, including both the rocket launcher vehicles and the guided rockets, for a period of 10 years.

(4)  Verifies the effectiveness of the training programs for operating and maintaining the DTI-1G rocket system delivered to the Royal ThaiArmy. This includes classroom training, field exercises, computer-based training, and live-fire tests with guided rockets.

(5) Demonstrates the quality, reliability, and trustworthiness of the DTI-1G rocket system, which has been preserved for 10 years yet still performs efficiently according to military equipment standards. 

(6) Validates the proficiency of the Army personnel, demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in operating the DTI-1G multiple launch ground-to-ground guided rocket system through theoretical and field training, as well as operational rocket firing, ensuring readiness for national defence missions for deployment.

Driving the Project Forward to Achieve Ultimate Goals

Although the DTI-1G rocket system has successfully completed the critical test firings, there remain significant tasks ahead for the joint Army-DTI working committee to ensure the project's outcomes can be fully delivered to the Army for national defence missions. DTI and the Thai defence industry will provide scientific and technological support to the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

(DTI Thailand)