Thailand starts development of light guns

The 105 mm CS/AH2 howitzer, pictured above, is similar in all aspects to the BAE systems L118/L119 (105 mm) light howitzer. The gun is produced by Poly Technologies, with likely involvement from Norinco. (Poly Technologies Inc)

Thailand's Defense Technology Institute (DTI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Artillery Center of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) for the research and development (R&D) of a 105 mm CS/AH2 light howitzer prototype.

According to a press release by the DTI, the two agencies will design a CS/AH2 prototype under the R&D agreement. They will also manufacture CS/AH2 parts, assemble them, and deliver a ready-to-fire prototype, the DTI said.

The CS/AH2 will replace some of the RTA's inventories of 105 mm howitzers, the DTI added. In September 2021, the DTI allocated a budget of THB48 million (USD1.4 million) for the development of a 105 mm CS/AH2 howitzer prototype.

The DTI indicated an intention to procure CS/AH2 technologies from two possible sources at that time – Chinese defence company Poly Technologies or Thai defence importer United Defense Technology.

According to JanesLand Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence , the CS/AH2 is similar in all aspects to the BAE systems L118/L119 (105 mm) light howitzer. The CS/AH2 is intended for export sales and not for deployment by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). The gun is produced by Poly Technologies, with likely involvement from China North Industries Corporation (Norinco).