One goal of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) is to increase its self-sufficiency in defense equipment and weapons.
As AMR previously reported, its Weapons Production Center (WPC) has begun producing 5.56 rifle rounds, 105mm and 155mm howitzer rounds, and 60mm and 81mm mortar rounds at a new manufacturing facility built over the past few years. RTA officials further confirmed that the WPC northeast of Lopburi is successfully producing artillery systems for its troops in the county.
RTA selected Elbit Defense’s vehicle-mounted ATMOS 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled howitzer and 120mm spear mortar system. Integration of the two systems is underway at the WPC facility.
Automatic Truck Mount Gun (ATMG)
The 155mm howitzer system and 120mm spear mortar were imported from Elbit, Israel. WPC receives a 10-ton Tatra 6 x 6 truck chassis and integrates it with the gun. The development, known as the Automatic Truck Mounted Gun (ATMG), debuted in mid-2018.
Like ATMOS, ATMG is designed to be compatible with rural road networks to increase deployment flexibility for heavier tracked self-propelled systems. Its onboard navigation and positioning as well as automatic setup, lay and auxiliary loading allow for quick response and “shoot and slide” firing. 22 ATMGs have been deployed to the Army Artillery and 18 to the Thai Marine Corps. Another six will reportedly be delivered by the end of 2022.
Automatic Mounting Mortar (ATMM)
The truck-mounted 120mm mortar was also supplied by Elbit, and WPC integrated the system into a Tatra 4 X 4 with a reinforced rear bed and suspension. The Automated Mobile Mortar (ATMM), first piloted by the RTA in July 2018, uses a crew of four, fires 10 rounds per minute and has a range of 6.5 kilometers. Its onboard fire control, power lay and GPS-based north-seeking system provide rapid fire after stopping movement. ATMMs are deployed to infantry battalions and cavalry squadrons. To date, 22 ATMMs have been delivered, with 12 more to be delivered by the end of 2023.
Stephen W. Miller
