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.
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