DTI D-Lion is a Thai version of the Mbombe 4 mine-resistant armored fighting vehicle from South Africa firm Paramount Group (all photos : DTI)
On December 19, 2022, Defense Technology Institute (DTI) has tested the standard of the D-Lion 4x4 mine-proof and ambush armored vehicle of Jatunapas Co., Ltd. Thailand to the Defense Science and Technology Department (DSTD), Ministry of Defence, Thailand at the vehicle driving and test field. Department of Army Transportation Royal Thai Army (RTA) in Tha Muang District Kanchanaburi
The DTI D-Lion 4x4 Mine Protected and Ambushed Vehicle is based on Paramount Group South Africa's Mbombe 4 Mine Protected Combat Vehicle in partnership with DTI Thai and Jatunpat Thai, which was launched at the Defense & Security 2022 International Weapons Exhibition at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand between 29 August - 1 September 2022.
The DTI D-Lion 4x4 anti-mine and ambush armored vehicle was developed for the needs of the Counter Terrorism Operations Center (CTOC) Special Operations Unit of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF).
As trials have already begun in 2022, if the D-Lion 4x4 mine-protected and ambush vehicle wins an order from CTOC, Jatunapas plans to build the vehicle at its factory in Chonburi province. using components and subsystems built in Thailand
At D&S 2022, Jatunapas representatives said the feasibility of supplying the Royal Thai Army with the D-Lion 4x4 Mine Protected Wheeled and Ambush Vehicles was also being explored exports to ASEAN countries, Southeast Asia is also a target.
If the D-Lion project is successful, Jatunapas Thailand plans to promote Paramount South Africa's Mbombe 6 6x6 and Mbombe 8 8x8 to Thailand and other countries in the region.
The 16tonne Mbombe 4-wheeled armored fighting vehicle can be equipped with a variety of weapon systems and is loaded with ammunition, carrying personnel, and equipment. The vehicle has a payload of 2.3 tonnes, has a range of 800km, and can accelerate to 140km/h.
In October 2021, Paramount Group South Africa unveiled its enhanced body armor that adds full NATO STANAG 4569 Level 3 body protection for ballistic protection. With the certification awarded by Armscor South Africa.
(AAG)