In a key development for military cooperation in South Asia, Thailand has officially signed an agreement 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)—a joint venture between Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) and Chaiseri (a Thai company specializing in Defense Land systems for Armored vehicles)—was officially signed on September 18, 2024, in Islamabad. 

The deal involves TDI supplying the armored vehicles to Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), a Pakistani firm known for its defense manufacturing capabilities.  

The MOU also includes a provision for the transfer of production technology from Thailand to HIT, which could facilitate the local manufacturing of the First Win vehicles in Pakistan.

Initially, Chaiseri is expected to produce a small batch of vehicles before the remaining units are delivered by HIT to the Pakistan Army. 

The First Win armored vehicle, developed by Chaiseri, is designed for various military applications and has been built in several configurations. However, Pakistan has not publicly disclosed the specific variant being procured. 

An official from Chaiseri, speaking to Janes on October 24, said that the company could not provide further details about the deal due to a non-disclosure agreement in place between the parties.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “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.” 

This partnership is expected to enhance HIT’s capabilities in producing modern armored vehicles, reinforcing the growing defense ties between Thailand and Pakistan.

High-ranking officials from both nations attended the signing ceremony, including Colonel Thanai Phuemphun, Acting Assistant Military Attaché of Thailand in Islamabad, and Major General Atique Ahmed, Director General Technical at HIT. 

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The agreement was signed by Mr. Kant Kulhiran on behalf of TDI and Colonel (Ret.) Ajmal Rafique, Chief Executive Officer of Margalla Heavy Industries Limited, HIT. 

Chaiseri First Win 4×4 Armored Vehicle

According to the company’s website, the First Win 2 has a mine-protected monocoque hull, which ensures durability and safety in hostile environments. Its powerful 340 horsepower engine drives a permanent all-wheel drive system featuring a six-speed automatic transmission that improves maneuverability across various terrains. 

The First Win 2 can accommodate up to 11 personnel. This flexibility allows the vehicle to be customized according to user requirements, enabling configurations such as an Armored Personnel Carrier, Armored Ambulance, Armored Fighting Vehicle, and Armored Forward Observation Vehicle. 

The vehicle’s heavy-duty axle, complete with leaf springs and a two-speed transfer case, ensures it can handle demanding conditions while maintaining a top speed of 110 km/h.

When it comes to protection, the First Win 2 is engineered to meet STANAG 4569 standards, providing Level 3 ballistic protection at the front and Level 2 on the sides. Options for enhanced mine protection make it a formidable choice for military operations. 

A crucial feature of the vehicle is its remotely operated weapon station, which supports a 30 mm M230 main armament. This station is equipped with two-axis gyroscopic stabilization, which allows for precise targeting and 360° electrical traverse. 

The First Win 2 boasts key technological integrations, including an electro-optical suite with a thermal camera, a daylight camera featuring both wide and narrow fields of view, and a laser range finder. 

These advanced features enhance the vehicle’s targeting capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of operational scenarios. 

The vehicle’s survivability is improved by a self-recovery winch, a run-flat braking system that allows it to travel up to 50 kilometers after a tire puncture, and an automatic fire suppression system. 

Its situational awareness is enhanced by a comprehensive suite that features day and infrared cameras, thermal driving capabilities for nighttime, acoustic awareness, a laser warning system, and sophisticated tactical communication tools, including an intercom system. 

The First Win vehicle has achieved decent traction in international markets in terms of export success. In 2015, Chaiseri secured a contract to supply 20 AV-4 First Win 4×4 vehicles to the Malaysian military. Indonesia has also become a customer, although the exact number of vehicles in service remains undisclosed.

Notably, Bhutan has acquired 15 First Win units, including Command and Ambulance models, to support United Nations Peacekeeping Missions under MINUSCA in the Central African Republic. 

Additionally, on May 27, 2024, Bhutan received 10 FW All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for the Royal Bhutan Police, further expanding First Win’s operational footprint.

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