The Royal Thai Army has successfully conducted a test firing of a prototype 105mm light towed howitzer, designated CS/AH2. The testing took place at the Khao Phu Lon Artillery Shooting Range in Lopburi Province, Thailand, with high-ranking officials in attendance. The test firing event was witnessed by Gen. Porphon Maneerin, Chairman of the Defence Technology Institute (DTI), Gen. Chuchat Buakaw, Director of the Royal Thai Army, and Maj. Gen. Noppasit Kongchinsartthiti, Commander-in-Chief of the C.P.C. This collaborative effort between DTI and the Artillery Center of the Royal Thai Army marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s defense capabilities.
The CS/AH2 105mm prototype represents a joint research and development project initiated by the National Defense Technology Institute (DTI) and the Artillery Center, Royal Thai Army. This project, which officially began following a memorandum of understanding signed on March 15, 2023, demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to modernizing its military assets. One of the driving factors behind the development of the CS/AH2 is the need to replace outdated artillery systems currently in service. Among these are 285 M-101 (Thai designation M-425) 105mm towed howitzers, 22 L119 105mm towed howitzers, and 12 OTO Melara Mod 56 105mm towed howitzers.
DTI Thailand has been working in collaboration with POLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. of the People’s Republic of China on this joint research and development project. The first phase of the project, with a budget of 48,000,000 baht ($1,439,712), was initiated in September 2021. The CS/AH2 prototype is produced by Poly Technologies, and there is likely involvement from China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). Visually, the Thai DTI CS/AH2 105mm prototype shares similarities with the BAE Systems M119 (L119), a light cannon assembled in Thailand. Additionally, it was observed that the CS/AH2 is equipped with a display on the gun, similar to the 12 NEXTER LG1 Mk III 105mm light cannons recently delivered to the Thai Army.
One notable feature of the Nexter Systems 105 LG MK III, which is incorporated into the CS/AH2, is an inertial navigation unit used for guidance, positioning, and aiming. This advanced system significantly reduces the time required to configure the cannon for firing. Moreover, the 105 LG Mk III can be integrated into a firing control system (C3I system), suggesting that the CS/AH2 105mm light howitzer might boast a digital fire control system and a satellite coordinate system. The CS/AH2 is equipped with a soil temperature measurement system, which plays a crucial role in determining air current bullet trajectories and coordinates closely with Forward Observation Officers.
