Thailand's D11A MLRS Based on Israeli PULS Approaches Production.

On August 9, 2024, Thailand's Defence Technology Institute (DTI) delivering the prototype of the D11A Multi-Purpose Multiple Rocket Launcher Vehicle to the 711th Artillery Battalion, 71st Artillery Regiment, Artillery Division of the Royal Thai Army (RTA). The D11A is a Thai adaptation of the Israeli PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), developed by Elbit Systems. The delivery ceremony, held at the Artillery Center, Fort Bhumibol in Lopburi Province, was presided over by Thai Minister of Defense, Sutin Khlangsaeng. This event is crucial for the project, as it is now subject to evaluation by the Royal Thai Army’s Evaluation Test Committee, which will decide its production future. 
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This modular launcher system supports a wide range of rockets, including unguided 122mm rockets such as the Russian GRAD, the Thai-developed DTI-2, and Chinese SHE-30 and SHE-40 rockets (Picture source: Thailand's Defence Technology Institute)

The D11A system is mounted on a 10-ton Tatra 6×6 truck chassis from the Czech Republic. This modular launcher system supports a wide range of rockets, including unguided 122mm rockets such as the Russian GRAD, the Thai-developed DTI-2, and Chinese SHE-30 and SHE-40 rockets. The system is designed for rapid pod changes—within 10 minutes—and offers performance similar to the GRAD in terms of speed and range. It is capable of firing both individual rounds and volleys, covering up to 3 hectares in a single volley of 40 rockets with high explosive fragmentation shells.

Additionally, the D11A can accommodate guided 122mm AccuLAR missiles, which are set to undergo live-fire testing later in 2024 at the Khao Phulon Artillery Range. The AccuLAR missiles, developed by Elbit Systems, offer an effective range of 40 kilometers with high accuracy, featuring a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters.

The D11A project began in 2019 with a development contract worth USD 2.2 million awarded to Elbit Systems and was initially unveiled at the Defense & Security 2022 show in Bangkok. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, development resumed in early 2022. The system is designed to meet Thailand’s coastal artillery requirements and was developed in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy’s Naval Research and Development Office.

The D11A project began in 2019 with a development contract worth USD 2.2 million awarded to Elbit Systems and was initially unveiled at the Defense & Security 2022 show in Bangkok (Picture source: Thailand's Defence Technology Institute)

In addition to its basic capabilities, the D11A is designed to launch various advanced munitions. Elbit Systems has also offered Thailand the EXTRA 306mm guided missiles, which have a maximum range of 150 kilometers and are equipped with a 120kg unitary warhead. The Predator Hawk 370mm tactical ballistic missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers and a 140kg warhead, are also compatible with the system. Furthermore, the SkyStriker autonomous loitering munitions add a new dimension to the D11A’s tactical flexibility by offering extended operational range and the capability to engage moving targets.

The development of the D11A reflects a broader trend in expanding the capabilities of the PULS system internationally. Elbit Systems’ PULS has been adopted by various countries and integrated into different platforms. After Elbit Systems acquired Israel Military Industries in 2018, the PULS (formerly known as Lynx MRL) was modernized and introduced into the Israeli Defense Forces under the name Lahav, mounted on a HEMTT truck chassis.

The system was used operationally during the Israel–Hamas War in 2024. Additionally, European interest in the system has grown, with Denmark negotiating the acquisition of eight PULS systems and the Netherlands acquiring 20 systems for the Royal Netherlands Army, expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. In Spain, a locally manufactured version of the PULS system was ordered for the SILAM program in October 2023.

As the DTI continues to refine the D11A system through ongoing trials and evaluations, Thailand remains committed to enhancing its military capabilities and self-reliance, with potential production of the D11A system on the horizon.

D11A Multi-purpose Multiple Rocket Launcher Vehicle (Picture source: Thailand's Defence Technology Institute)