Thailand Transfers New Domestic Rifle to Armed Forces

The Defense Technology Institute (DTI) held a formal handover ceremony on September 3, 2026, delivering 5.56-millimeter short rifles to four Thai military branches—the Armed Forces Headquarters, Army, Navy, and Air Force—for use in security operations. The event, held at the Infantry Training Center in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, was presided over by General Charati Umssamritti, DTI director, and witnessed by senior military officials including DTI Board Chairman General Nopphonth Sarangsomvong. Staff from Weapon Manufacturing Industry (WMI) and Army tactical shooting teams demonstrated the rifle's performance and capabilities.

The 5.56-millimeter short rifle is manufactured by WMI, a joint venture of DTI with Israeli technology transfer. It is an AR-15 family assault rifle using standard 5.56×45-millimeter ammunition, with barrel lengths of 11.5 and 14.5 inches, powered by a Direct Gas Impingement System. It features a reinforced monolithic upper receiver and M-LOK handguard for easy attachment of accessories, meeting current military operational requirements.

General Nopphonth Sarangsomvong stated that this handover represents a trial deployment of the rifle, developed through technology transfer from Israel via a joint venture between DTI, Somphibat Development Company, and Israeli firm Meytav Carmiel. He noted the company has also supplied rifles to the Royal Thai Police, Bhutan's police, and Thailand's Special Cases Investigation Department. He emphasized that Thailand's defense industry strategy, per Defense Ministry policy, aims to shift from being a "buyer" to a "producer" and exporter, supported by DTI's operations under the 2019 Defense Technology Act. Future production will comply with NATO standards and use modern, internationally recognized technology.