DTI delivers 5.56x45 mm carbines to the Thai military

Emtan MZ-4, assessed by Janes as the basis for Thailand's new carbine. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)

Thailand's Defence Technology Institute (DTI) announced the delivery to the Thai military of domestically produced 5.56×45 mm carbines manufactured by Weapons Manufacturing Industry (WMI). WMI is a joint venture involving DTI, Thai company Sahaphiphatthanakit, and Israeli firearms manufacturer Emtan.

In a social media post published in early September, DTI said the carbines had been delivered to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force. It provided no details about the carbine's designation, performance characteristics, or the number delivered.

Janes analysis of an image published by DTI suggests that the carbine is based on Emtan's MZ-4 5.56×45 mm assault rifle.

The AR-15-based MZ-4 has a 14.5-inch barrel and operates using a direct-gas-impingement system, according to Emtan. It weighs 3.2 kg without a magazine and has an overall length of 780 mm with the stock retracted and 860 mm with the stock extended. The weapon uses standard 30-round STANAG magazines and has a cyclic rate of fire of 750–950 rounds per minute.

The rifle has a full-length MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny top rail and an M-LOK handguard, enabling the attachment of optical sights, aiming devices, foregrips, weapon lights, and other mission-specific accessories.

The announcement follows an August 2022 agreement between Emtan and DTI to establish small-arms manufacturing and assembly capabilities in Thailand, supporting local production of the Israeli company's firearms.

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