The Defense Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand and is partnering with Israel-based international defense company Elbit Systems to develop a Thai version of the PULS called D11A Multi-Purpose Rocket and Missile Launcher. The PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System, formerly known as Lynx MRL) is a multiple rocket launcher developed and manufactured by ELBIT Systems (formerly Israel Military Industries) and used by Israel Defense Forces and other countries. Janes reported that the DTI is interested in integrating the SkyStriker autonomous loitering munition into D11A. The programme has yet to be framed by a formal proposal. The potential to integrate the SkyStriker into the PULS was displayed by Elbit Systems in September 2022 at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX).
The DTI is developing the system to meet an artillery requirement. The Royal Thai Navy’s Naval Research and Development Office (NRDO) is also involved in the project. The development work has focused mainly on the integration of the Israeli company’s multicalibre Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) on a 6×6 10-tonne Tatra truck from the Czech Republic. The development project started in 2019, was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but restarted earlier 2022. The project was initiated through a USD2.2 million development contract awarded to Elbit Systems in September 2019. The trials of the locally built prototype started in 2022, with the objective to certify the launcher and start production of the system in 2023.
The PULS is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) developed and manufacture by Israel Military Industries (now Elbit Systems Land). The autonomous artillery rocket system provides a comprehensive and costeffective solution for precise firing of all types of advanced rockets, with optimal responsiveness. The PULS there is no need to move artillery units based on the required firing range; the versatile solution can fire a variety of ammunition types to various ranges from the same position, to ranges of up to 300 km. The multi-purpose launcher features two PODS; each POD is designed for a specific rocket type: the Accular 122mm (18 rockets) with a range of up to 35km, the Accular 160mm (10 rockets) with a range of up to 40km, the EXTRA (4 rockets) with a range of up to 150km and the Predator Hawk (2 rockets) with a range of up to 300km.
The SkyStriker is a fully autonomous loitering munition manufacture by Elbit Systems. The loitering munition can locate, acquire and engage operator-designated targets with a warhead of up to 10kg, enabling high-precision performance. The SkyStriker can be launched from a variety of ground and aerial platforms, including from a dedicated canister on Elbit Systems’ PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) rocket artillery systems. Equipped with an electric motor, the SkyStriker enables covert operations of up to 2h and with a range of 100km. It can use a number of warhead types and thanks to its modular design, it can be interchanged in the field during pre-flight according to the operational requirement. SkyStriker has seen some success in Central Asia with sales to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and has also been sold to India.
