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Pakistan Buys 100 Chaiseri ‘First Win’ Armored Vehicles from Thailand
Bilal Khan
Founder of Quwa, Bilal has been researching Pakistani defence industry and security issues for over 15 years. His work has been cited by Pakistan's National Defence University (NDU), the Council of Foreign Relations, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Centre of Airpower Studies and many others. He has a Hons. B.A in Political Science and Masters of Interntional Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
On 18 September, Thailand’s Thai Defence Industry Company (TDI) signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) involving the sale of 100 Chaiseri First Win 4×4 armoured vehicles to the Pakistan Army (PA).
According to the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the MoU also involves a transfer-of-technology (ToT) deal that would see HIT manufacture the First Win 4×4 in Pakistan.
It should be noted that a commercial contract has not yet been signed, but it seems that the MoU finalized terms. The two sides may have left the final signature for another event, potentially a bilateral meeting or a ceremony at the upcoming 2024 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) due to take place in Karachi, Pakistan in November.
The Chaiseri First Win 4×4 is an adaptable armoured vehicle capable of multiple types of missions, including counterinsurgency (COIN) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations, peacekeeping missions, battlefield logistics, and medical support/evacuation.
Since its introduction in 2010, the Chaiseri First Win 4×4 has evolved into a number of different variants, such as the First Win II, First Win Armoured Tactical Vehicle (ATV), First Win Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV), First Win Armoured Light Vehicle (ALV) and others.
It is not known which of these variants the PA will acquire. However, each variant of the First Win leverages a V-shape monocoque hull for defensibility against mines and improvised explosive devices (IED), a power-to-weight ratio of 23-27 hp/ton, a capacity to carry 10 soldiers, and protection level of STANAG 4569 Level 4.
In addition, the First Win can be configured with a range of weapons and subsystems, such as (among others) a remote weapon system (RWS) and electro-optical (EO) systems.
Besides Thailand, the First Win has seen adoption from a number of regional powers in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Bhutan.
If the MoU is converted into a firm contract, the First Win would be HIT’s second light armoured vehicle platform, joining the Dragoon 2 armoured security vehicle (ASV). In addition, the First Win 4×4 could also be HIT’s first mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) system.
Analysis: Why is Pakistan Buying the Caiseri First Win?
The potential purchase of the First Win 4×4 could be the outcome of a long-standing requirement for a wheeled light armoured vehicle (LAV).
Since as early as 2015, the PA had commissioned multiple studies and development programs aimed at securing a wheeled LAV.
On the indigenous front, an attempt was made to develop a platform called the ‘Light Armed Vehicle Assault’ (LAVA) through the Military Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (MVRDE).
Interestingly, this LAV program was to complement an 8×8 wheeled armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) initiative. For the latter, a Pakistani private company called Cavalier Group revealed the Hamza series, which it offered in both 8×8 and 6×6 configurations. The PA bought undisclosed numbers for the latter for UN peacekeeping missions.
In parallel, however, both state-owned and private sector Pakistani production entities were signing joint venture deals with numerous foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to co-market and co-produce LAVs for the Pakistani market.
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