Thailand Collaborates with Israel to Develop “D11A” Multiple Rocket Launch System
The "D11A" Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRL), developed by Thailand in collaboration with Israel, is based on the Israeli-developed PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), formerly known as the "Lynx MRL." The PULS system was developed by the Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Early this month, the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand delivered a prototype of the “D11A” Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRL), which it developed with Israeli company, Elbit Systems to the Southeast Asian nation’s army.
The “D11A” system, is based on Israel’s PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), formerly known as “Lynx MRL.”
The PULS system was developed by the Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems, previously known as Israel Military Industries.
Thailand’s Defence Minister, Sutin Khlangsaeng, witnessed the handover ceremony of the “D11A” MRL prototype.
This handover marks a significant milestone as the Thai-developed MRL system, in collaboration with Israel, will now undergo evaluation by the Royal Thai Army.
The testing will determine whether the MRL system will proceed to full production for military use.
The “D11A” launcher is mounted on a 10-ton Tatra 6×6 vehicle from the Czech Republic and is capable of launching various calibers of rockets, including the 122mm unguided rocket, Thailand’s domestically developed DTI-2 rockets, and China’s SHE-30 and SHE-40 rockets.
Analysts suggest that the performance of the “D11A” MRL closely mirrors that of Russia’s “Grad” rocket system, particularly in terms of the launch vehicle’s speed and the rocket’s firing range.
The “D11A” launcher can deploy rockets individually or in volleys as part of an indirect fire tactic aimed at covering large areas—up to three hectares—with 40 rockets fired in volleys.
Additionally, the system can launch the 122mm Accular missile, which will undergo live fire testing at the Khao Phulon Artillery Range later this year.
The “D11A” can launch up to 36 Accular missiles, reaching distances of up to 40 kilometers.
The 122mm Accular missile, developed by Elbit Systems, boasts a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters.
First unveiled at the 2022 Defense and Security exhibition in Bangkok, the Thai-Israeli “D11A” MRL development project was designed to meet Thailand’s needs for a coastal artillery system, with additional support from the Royal Thai Navy’s Research and Development Office.
In addition, Elbit Systems has reportedly offered Thailand its EXTRA 306mm missile system, Predator Hawk tactical missiles, and SkyStriker loitering munitions.
The EXTRA (Extended Range Artillery) missile can hit targets up to 150 kilometers away, while the Predator Hawk ballistic missile is capable of reaching targets up to 300 kilometers with a 140-kilogram unitary warhead.
The joint Thai-Israeli “D11A” MRL system is based on Israel’s “PULS” MRL, which is also in service with several other countries.
Elbit Systems developed the PULS system in collaboration with Germany’s KNDS.
By 2023, the PULS MRL system had been acquired by the armed forces of Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. – DSA
