In a significant development in military cooperation in South Asia, Thailand has formally signed an agreement with Pakistan to supply 100 Chaiseri First Win 4×4 armored vehicles to Pakistan’s military.
The agreement was finalized by Thailand Defense Industries Co., Ltd. (TDI), a joint venture between the Defense Technology Institute of Thailand (DTI) and Chai Seri (a Thai company specializing in defense systems for armored vehicles). It was officially signed on the 18th of May. , 2024, Islamabad.
The contract includes TDI supplying armored vehicles to Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), a Pakistani company known for its defense manufacturing capabilities.
The MOU also includes provisions for the transfer of production technology from Thailand to HIT, which could facilitate local manufacturing of First Win vehicles in Pakistan.
Initially, Chaiseri will produce a small number of vehicles, after which the remaining units will be delivered to the Pakistan Army by HIT.
Thai Defense Industries (TDI) signs a contract with Pakistan Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to sell 100 units of Chai Seri First Win 4×4. #vehicle and technology transfer to manufacture these vehicles at HIT. 🇵🇰🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/AVPeppPv12
— Global Defense Insight (@ Defense_Talks) October 29, 2024
The First Win armored vehicle developed by Chaiseri is designed for a variety of military applications and is manufactured in several configurations. However, Pakistan has not disclosed the specific variants being procured..
Chaseri official, busy told Jane’s on October 24 that the company could not provide further details about the transaction due to a confidentiality agreement in place between the parties.
The Royal Thai Army emphasized the importance of the agreement, saying, “The agreement to sell First Win wheeled armored vehicles demonstrates the potential benefits of Thai armored vehicle technology in the development of Pakistan’s armed forces.”
This partnership is expected to enhance HIT’s advanced armored vehicle production capabilities and strengthen the growing defense relationship between Thailand and Pakistan.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Colonel Thanai Puenpoon, Deputy Assistant Thai Attaché in Islamabad, and Major General Atiq Ahmed, Director General of HIT Technology.
The agreement was signed on behalf of TDI by Mr. Kant Krilan and Chief Executive Officer of Margalla Heavy Industries Ltd., HIT, Colonel Ajmal Rafique (retired).
Chaseli first victory 4×4 armored vehicle
According to the company’s website, First Win 2 has a mine-proof monocoque hull, ensuring durability and safety in harsh environments. A powerful 340 horsepower engine drives a permanent all-wheel drive system with a 6-speed automatic transmission for improved maneuverability on a variety of terrain.
First Win 2 can accommodate up to 11 people. This flexibility allows the vehicle to be customized according to the user’s requirements, allowing configurations such as armored personnel carriers, armored ambulances, armored combat vehicles and armored forward observation vehicles.
The vehicle’s sturdy axle is equipped with leaf springs and a two-speed transfer case to ensure it can handle the toughest conditions while maintaining a top speed of 110 km/h.
When it comes to protection, First Win 2 is designed to: STANAG 4569 standardprovides Level 3 bullet protection on the front and Level 2 on the sides. Options for enhanced mine protection make it a strong option for military operations.
A key feature of this vehicle is a remotely operated weapon station that supports a 30 mm M230 main weapon. The station is equipped with 2-axis gyro stabilization, allowing precise targeting and 360° electrical traverse.
First Win 2 boasts key technology integrations, including an electro-optical suite with a thermal camera, a daylight camera with both wide and narrow fields of view, and a laser rangefinder.
These advanced features enhance the vehicle’s targeting capabilities and make it suitable for a variety of operational scenarios.
Vehicle survivability is enhanced by a self-healing winch, a run-flat braking system that allows the vehicle to travel up to 50 kilometers after a tire puncture, and an automatic fire extinguishing system.
Its situational awareness is enhanced by a comprehensive suite of advanced tactical communications tools, including daytime and thermal cameras, night thermal drive capabilities, acoustic recognition, laser warning systems, and intercom systems.
First Win vehicles have gained considerable attention in the international market in terms of export success. 2015, Chaiseli safe Contract to supply 20 AV-4 First Win 4×4 vehicles to the Malaysian military. Indonesia is also a customer, but the exact number of vehicles actually in operation has not been disclosed.
In particular, Bhutan acquired 15 First Win units, including models of command vehicles and ambulances, to support UN peacekeeping operations under MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.
Additionally, on May 27, 2024, Bhutan received The Royal Bhutan Police Force has deployed 10 FW all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to further expand First Win’s operational reach.
