DTI and the Royal Thai Army Test a Prototype of CS/AH2 105mm Light Artillery

26 September 2023

DTI fires a test prototype of a 105 mm light cannon (CPC), type CS/AH2, with Gen. Porphon Maneerin, chairman of DTI, Gen. Chuchat. Buakaw, Director of the RTA, and Maj. Gen. Noppasit Kongchinsartthiti, Commander-in-Chief of the C.P.C. participated in observing the test firing of the prototype 105 mm. CS/AH2 model at Khao Phu Lon Artillery Shooting Range, Lopburi Province (all photos : DTI)

Firing test of a prototype 105mm CS/AH2 light artillery projectile, which is a joint research and development project between the National Defense Technology Institute, DTI (Defence Technology Institute) and the Artillery Center. Artillery Center, Royal Thai Army which was published on online social media on September 22, 2023 is the most progress after the Thai DTI and the Artillery Center of The Royal Thai Army signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on March 15, 2023.

DTI Thailand has announced a contract with POLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC., People's Republic of China for the joint research and development project to build a prototype 105mm light artillery projectile, CS/AH2 type, Phase 1, budget of 48,000,000 baht ($1,439,712) in September,  2021.

The CS/AH2 is a 105mm ballistic light cannon developed for export by Norinco (China North Industries Group Corporation), a defense industry enterprise of the People's Republic of China.

From the pictures published on the official Facebook page of DTI Thailand, the prototype of the CS/AH2 105mm light cannon is different from the CS/AH2A 105mm towed cannon that Norinco, China, had previously displayed at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2021 at Zhuhai, at several points.

As can be seen from the exterior, the Thai DTI CS/AH2 105mm prototype has a muzzle brake, a breech mechanism, and other components that look similar to a light cannon with a curved projectile  BAE Systems M119 (L119), which is assembled in Thailand, totaling 22 units.

DTI's prototype CS/AH2 105mm, which was built with 2 guns, was also found to be equipped with a display on the gun. That looks similar to the 12 NEXTER LG1 Mk III 105mm light cannons that were recently delivered.

This makes it possible to consider that the CS/AH2 105mm light cannon should have a digital fire control system and a satellite coordinate system. The soil temperature measurement system drives the air current bullet and links with the Forward Observation Officer as well.

Light artillery, curved projectile M119, stationed in the 31st Artillery Battalion, King's Guard, 1st Artillery Regiment, King's Guard, 1st Division, King's Guard, and light artillery, curved projectile, LG1 Mk III, stationed In the 11th Artillery Battalion 1st Artillery Regiment, His Majesty's Guard, 1st Division, His Majesty's Guard. 

The Royal Thai Army also needs new 105mm light cannons to replace a large number of old systems that have been in use for a long time and are outdated, such as 12 M425 towed light cannons and 32 M618A2 towed light cannons. Built in Thailand, etc.

(AAG)