In a significant step forward in South Asia’s defense cooperation, Thailand has signed a groundbreaking deal with Pakistan to supply 100 Chaiseri First Win 4×4 armored vehicles to the Pakistan Army. The agreement, finalized by Thai Defence Industry Co., Ltd. (TDI) on September 18, 2024, in Islamabad, is anticipated to bolster Pakistan’s defense capabilities while strengthening Thai-Pakistani military ties.
The historic deal will involve a transfer of advanced military technology from Thailand to Pakistan, with TDI, a collaborative venture between Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) and Chaiseri—a Thai company known for armored defense systems—providing both manufactured units and production technology to Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). HIT is a prominent defense manufacturing company within Pakistan’s military sector, with expertise in producing and overhauling various military vehicles and equipment.
This collaboration not only marks a new stage in Thai-Pakistani military relations but is also a notable development for Thailand’s defense industry. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), TDI will initially produce a small number of Chaiseri First Win 4×4 vehicles before transferring production technology to HIT, facilitating Pakistan’s capability to manufacture these armored vehicles domestically. This transfer of technology is expected to enable HIT to locally produce the remaining vehicles, a move that underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in defense production.
This setup is advantageous for both nations. For Pakistan, it provides critical resources and expertise to bolster its defense manufacturing sector, while Thailand benefits from expanding the international reach of its defense technology, showcasing the First Win model as a viable armored vehicle solution on a global scale.
The Chaiseri First Win, an armored vehicle developed by the Thai defense company, is engineered for versatility and resilience in diverse military operations. With various configurations to suit different military requirements, the First Win has gained a reputation for its adaptability and robustness.
According to the company’s website, the First Win 2, a variant of the original model, boasts a mine-protected monocoque hull, offering enhanced safety for its occupants even in hostile or mined environments. Powered by a 340-horsepower engine and a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a six-speed automatic transmission, the First Win 2 can maneuver through rugged terrains while maintaining a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour.
The vehicle’s cabin can accommodate up to 11 personnel, making it a versatile choice for functions such as troop transportation, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and more. This adaptability aligns well with the operational needs of the Pakistan Army, which requires multi-role vehicles capable of navigating complex, challenging terrains.
One of the key features of the First Win 2 is its emphasis on crew protection and survivability. The vehicle meets NATO’s STANAG 4569 protection standards, providing Level 3 ballistic protection at the front and Level 2 on the sides. Enhanced protection options are available, allowing it to withstand mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a critical factor given the security challenges in many regions where the Pakistan Army operates.
A major highlight of the First Win 2 is its remotely operated weapon station, compatible with a 30 mm M230 chain gun as the main armament. The weapon station features two-axis gyroscopic stabilization, enabling precise targeting and a 360° electrical traverse for improved engagement in dynamic combat scenarios. Such advanced targeting capabilities can provide the Pakistan Army with a significant advantage during close-combat operations, enhancing both accuracy and operator safety.
In addition, the First Win 2 incorporates a comprehensive electro-optical suite, which includes a thermal imaging camera, a dual-field-of-view daylight camera, and a laser rangefinder. These advanced optics enhance the vehicle’s operational efficiency in day and night conditions, making it suitable for a variety of mission profiles, from reconnaissance to direct engagement.
For military operations that demand high situational awareness, the First Win 2’s suite of cameras, sensors, and communication systems offers substantial benefits. Equipped with day and infrared cameras, as well as thermal driving capabilities, the vehicle ensures enhanced visibility in both daytime and low-light environments. Additional features like a laser warning system and an intercom system improve real-time tactical communication, essential for coordinated military operations.
The First Win 2 also includes a self-recovery winch, a run-flat braking system that allows the vehicle to travel up to 50 kilometers even after a tire puncture, and an automatic fire suppression system. These features enhance the survivability of the vehicle and its occupants, making it a dependable choice for high-stakes environments.
The collaboration between Thailand and Pakistan has broader implications beyond the immediate supply of armored vehicles. The First Win agreement aligns with Pakistan’s broader defense strategy of partnering with international allies to diversify its military capabilities while maintaining strategic autonomy. For Thailand, this deal represents a crucial step toward establishing itself as a reliable defense equipment provider in the South Asian region.
During the signing ceremony in Islamabad, high-ranking officials from both Thailand and Pakistan were present, underscoring the diplomatic importance of this agreement. Key figures included Colonel Thanai Phuemphun, Acting Assistant Military Attaché of Thailand, and Major General Atique Ahmed, Director General Technical at HIT. Mr. Kant Kulhiran represented TDI, while Colonel (Ret.) Ajmal Rafique, CEO of Margalla Heavy Industries Limited, signed on behalf of HIT.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces issued a statement emphasizing the potential of the First Win deal to enhance Pakistan’s military capability and benefit from Thai armored technology: “The agreement to sell First Win wheeled armored vehicles demonstrates the potential benefits of Thai armored vehicle technology in the development of the Pakistan Army.”
The First Win series by Chaiseri has already established a foothold in international markets, with Thailand’s export portfolio gradually expanding over recent years. The First Win 4×4 has seen operational success in various nations, which have chosen it for both military and peacekeeping roles.
In 2015, Chaiseri won a contract to supply 20 AV-4 First Win 4×4 vehicles to the Malaysian military. These vehicles have reportedly performed well in diverse operational conditions, enhancing Chaiseri’s credibility as a provider of reliable armored vehicles. Additionally, Indonesia has procured an undisclosed number of First Win units, demonstrating the growing confidence in the platform across Southeast Asia.
Further afield, Bhutan has integrated 15 First Win vehicles, including command and ambulance configurations, to support United Nations peacekeeping missions under MINUSCA in the Central African Republic. In May 2024, Bhutan expanded its fleet with 10 First Win All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for the Royal Bhutan Police, reinforcing the First Win’s reputation as a flexible, multipurpose armored vehicle for both military and law enforcement applications.
The First Win agreement could have a transformative impact on Pakistan’s defense manufacturing sector, particularly for HIT. By acquiring the technology to produce Chaiseri First Win vehicles locally, HIT will gain critical knowledge and experience, enhancing its production capabilities in armored vehicle manufacturing. This technological collaboration also aligns with Pakistan’s goal of achieving defense self-reliance, a priority in its national security strategy.
Incorporating the First Win production within Pakistan could also spur further local innovation. As HIT gains experience with this vehicle, it may integrate customized features or adapt the design to better suit the specific needs of the Pakistan Army. This could lead to innovations in the production of lighter, faster, or more heavily armored vehicles suited to the varied operational requirements of the Pakistani armed forces.
The First Win deal could pave the way for future defense collaborations between Thailand and Pakistan. The success of this agreement may encourage both nations to explore additional opportunities for joint development, particularly in areas such as electronic warfare systems, advanced optics, and unmanned vehicles, fields in which both countries have been investing resources.
Such collaborations could potentially extend beyond land systems to include naval and aerial platforms, further strengthening military interoperability between the two countries. A strong Thai-Pakistani defense relationship may also contribute to regional stability, as both countries share an interest in maintaining peace and security in Asia.
