DTI tests D-Iron Unmanned Ground Vehicle for Royal Thai Army.

The Defense Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand conducted tests on its D-Iron RCV (Robotic Combat Vehicle) for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) from August 22 to 24, 2023, in Saraburi Province. This comes approximately 18 months after Milrem Robotics in Estonia delivered the base system to DTI in Thailand. The vehicle is built on the THeMIS Combat UGV platform developed by Milrem Robotics in Estonia.
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D-Iron RCV UGV testing in Saraburi Province (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) (Picture source: DTI)

The D-Iron UGV is a collaborative project between Thailand's Defense Technology Institute (DTI), the Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS), and the Estonian firm Milrem Robotics. The vehicle is a DTI-funded integration of Milrem's THeMIS UGV platform, equipped with EOS's R400S-Mk2 Direct Drive-Heavy Duty (D-HD) remote weapon station. The THeMIS UGV has undergone rigorous testing and is operational in several NATO countries and other nations worldwide.

This UGV is a modular platform that can be adapted for a range of operations, including reconnaissance and patrol, anti-tank missions, counter-improvised explosive device operations, communications relay, and logistics. It can also be fitted with multi-caliber weapons. The D-Iron features a tracked platform with a large central bay that can accommodate a wide range of payloads, with a stated capacity of up to 1,200 kg. It has a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The platform, without the R400S-Mk2 weapon station mounted, weighs 1,630 kg. The R400S-Mk2 can mount a range of weapons from the lightweight M230LF 30mm autocannon to anti-tank guided missiles.

DTI first showcased the D-Iron RCV at the Defense and Security International Armament Show in November 2019. The vehicle is armed with an R400S-Mk2-HD Remote Weapon Station turret from Electro Optic Systems (EOS) in Australia and features a Northrop Grumman M230LF 30mm machine gun from the United States. The armament has been tested with live ammunition in daytime and nighttime conditions.

The vehicle underwent a series of challenges, including terrain navigation, steep inclines, crossing wide ditches, and wading through deep water. These tests are part of the evaluation criteria set by Thailand's Ministry of Defense Armament Standards Committee, and successful completion could lead to mass production within Thailand. The D-Iron is primarily intended to be used by the Royal Thai Army, which currently does not have a similar capability. DTI is positioning the D-Iron for various missions, including border surveillance and counter-insurgency.