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Pakistan Enters into an Agreement with Thailand for 100 Chaiseri First Win MRAP Vehicles.
On October 11, 2024, Islamabad signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Thai government to acquire 100 Chaiseri First Win vehicles, designed for protection against ambushes and explosives. These mine-resistant vehicles are set to enhance the Pakistan Army’s capability to operate in challenging environments, marking a significant step in defense cooperation between Thailand and Pakistan.
Thai Company Chaiseri First Win 4X4 Armored Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
This MoU includes a technology transfer clause, enabling the Thai Defense Industry and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to partially produce these systems within Pakistan. A commercial contract is expected to follow, potentially finalized at a bilateral meeting later this year or at the upcoming international military convention organized by Pakistan's Trade Development Authority in November in Karachi. This cooperation reflects both nations' intent to strengthen defense industry capabilities and promote local production.
Initially developed by Chaiseri for the Royal Thai Army in 2010, the First Win vehicle is a versatile armored platform already in service in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, and also deployed in UN peacekeeping missions in the Eastern Himalayas. In 2024, Nopparat Kulhiran, CEO of Thai Defense Industry and Vice President of Chaiseri confirmed that the Philippines is also considering acquiring up to 900 units, underscoring regional interest in this adaptable platform.
The First Win features a V-shaped hull to deflect blast impact. Depending on the variant, it measures up to 6.5 meters in length and weighs 12.5 tons. Built to NATO armor standards, it withstands grenade impacts and artillery fire up to 155mm caliber. The basic model comes equipped with heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers and can carry up to 10 passengers, providing robust protection for personnel transport.
Powered by a 330-horsepower Cummins diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission, the First Win reaches a top speed of 110 km/h across diverse terrains. The model proposed in the agreement, First Win 2, includes advanced features like a monocoque hull and can transport up to 11 personnel. Its modular design allows for various configurations, including personnel carrier, combat vehicles, ambulances, or reconnaissance platform.
Enhanced for survivability, the First Win 2 includes a remotely operated weapon station with gyroscopic stabilization, allowing precise targeting with full 360° rotation. It also has an electro-optical suite with thermal and day cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder, ensuring effectiveness in all lighting conditions.
To meet modern operational requirements, the First Win 2 incorporates a run-flat braking system for continued travel up to 50 km after a puncture, an automatic fire suppression system, and a self-recovery winch. Situational awareness is bolstered by infrared and day cameras, a laser warning system, and a tactical communication suite with an intercom, improving battlefield coordination.
Beyond Thailand, the First Win has been adopted by regional powers in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Bhutan. Since 2015, Chaiseri has secured contracts to supply 20 AV-4 First Win vehicles to the Malaysian military, as well as units to the Indonesian army and the Royal Bhutan Police, which has deployed 15 units for UN peacekeeping in the Central African Republic.
If converted into a firm contract, the First Win would become HIT’s second light armored vehicle, joining the Dragoon 2 armored security vehicle (ASV). It could also represent HIT's first mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) system, further enhancing Pakistan’s defense capabilities.
This acquisition marks a strategic advancement for Pakistan's defense industry. The agreement, signed by senior officials from both countries, including Colonel Thanai Phuemphun, Acting Assistant Military Attaché of Thailand in Islamabad, and Major General Atique Ahmed, HIT’s Director General Technical, underscores Pakistan’s interest in adopting Thai military technology. Following initial production by Chaiseri, HIT is expected to locally assemble further units, enabling long-term technology and skills transfer.
The potential purchase of the First Win 4x4 aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing need for a wheeled light armored vehicle (LAV). Since 2015, multiple studies and development programs have aimed to secure this capability. Domestically, Pakistan attempted to develop the “Light Armed Vehicle Assault” (LAVA) platform through its Military Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (MVRDE), intended to complement an 8x8 armored fighting vehicle (AFV) program. The private Pakistani company Cavalier Group introduced the Hamza series in 8x8 and 6x6 configurations, with some models procured for UN peacekeeping. Concurrently, Pakistani public and private production entities have partnered with foreign manufacturers to co-market and co-produce LAVs for the local market.