BANGKOK — 2 June 2026, The Royal Thai Air Force has triumphed in first test of firing an aerial rocket from a drone, marking a significant step in the development of AI and laser weapon development against future threats.
The test was carried out on Tuesday by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), through the Directorate of Armament, in cooperation with drone manufacturer NAC Drone to conduct a test-firing of a 2.75-inch aerial rocket from a drone. This operation represents a concrete integration of expertise between a national security agency and Thailand’s domestic defence industry.
The weapon used in the trial was a 2.75-inch aerial rocket, a system widely employed by armed forces around the world for close air support missions. For this iteration, the Ordnance Department developed the fire-control system, designed the launch tube, and modified supporting systems to enable the rocket to be integrated with and launched from the drone platform.
The test was deemed successful after the rocket was launched as planned while the drone maintained stable flight throughout the operation, without losing balance or control. This achievement demonstrated the growing capabilities of Thai engineers and defence personnel in developing advanced weapons systems. Moreover, it is the first successful launch of an aerial rocket from a drone in Thailand that would help enhance national defence capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign technology, and create opportunities for further growth in the domestic defence sector.
An Air Force source said future development plans include equipping drone-launched rockets with guidance systems, developing laser-based weapons, and creating intelligent gun platforms using artificial intelligence (AI) fire-control systems to support the evolving requirements of modern warfare.
Security experts view the development of drone-based weapons and combat support systems as an increasingly important global trend because they can reduce risks to personnel, improve operational accuracy, and provide faster responses to emerging threats. The Air Force’s latest achievement represented an important milestone in Thailand’s efforts to adapt to a technology-driven battlefield environment.