DTI and Thai Artillery test new prototype of NORINCO CSAH2 105mm Light Gun.

Social media posts on September 22, 2023, showcased the firing tests of a prototype 105mm CS/AH2 light artillery projectile, Defense Studies reports. This collaborative endeavor is a result of the partnership between the National Defense Technology Institute (DTI) and the Artillery Center of the Royal Thai Army, which was formalized through a memorandum of understanding inked on March 15, 2023.
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DTI test fires a prototype of a 105 mm light gun type CS/AH2 (Picture source: DTI)

The initiative commenced with DTI Thailand entering into a contract with the Chinese manufacturer, Poly Technologies, to embark on the joint research and development of a 105mm artillery projectile tailored for the CS/AH2 model. Phase 1 of this project, with a budget allocation of 48,000,000 baht ($1,439,712), was publicly announced in September 2021. Notably, the CS/AH2 is a 105mm light howitzer primarily designed for export by China's Norinco (China North Industries Group Corporation).

Upon reviewing images featured on DTI Thailand's official Facebook page, it becomes evident that the CS/AH2 105mm light gun prototype bears notable distinctions from the CS/AH2A variant previously unveiled by Norinco at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2021 in Zhuhai.

From an external perspective, the Thai DTI CS/AH2 105mm prototype incorporates components such as a muzzle brake and breech mechanism that bear a resemblance to BAE Systems' M119 (L119), of which there are 22 units assembled in Thailand.

Furthermore, DTI's prototype CS/AH2 105mm, fabricated in two units, is furnished with a display akin to the Nexter/KNDS' LG1 Mk III 105mm light guns, which were recently delivered, as elaborated upon in this report. This strongly suggests the integration of a digital fire control system and a satellite coordinate system into the CS/AH2 105mm light gun.

The Royal Thai Army is in dire need of modern 105mm light guns to replace an assortment of outdated systems, including 12 M425s and 32 M618A2s.

DTI fires a test prototype of a 105 mm light gun 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 (Picture source: DTI)

It's worth recalling that United Defense Technology, the Thai distributor for KNDS/Nexter (France), disseminated photographs taken on January 11, 2023, exhibiting the arrival of the first 105mm LG1 Mk.III towed light gun. Out of a total order for 12 systems destined for the Royal Thai Army, six had reached Thailand. These LG1 Mk.III towed light guns were slated to be deployed within the 11th Artillery Battalion, 1st Artillery Regiment, King's Guard, 1st Brigade, an integral 105mm light field artillery unit.

To supplant the aged and obsolete 105mm towed howitzers that have been in use for an extended period, a project was initiated to procure 105mm towed projectile artillery through a specific procurement method, involving an investment of 834,400,000 baht ($26,722,194 or 22,677,763 Euros). According to the military balance report of 2020, the Thai army was equipped with 24 LG1 Mk.II 105mm towed howitzers. These guns also found utility in the Royal Thai Marine Corps. Notably, Army Recognition reported on January 2, 2021, regarding the order placed with Nexter for these artillery systems.

Prototype of 105 mm light gun type CS/AH2 (Picture source: DTI)

Defense News September 2023