The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft in a deal that will expand the country’s military airlift fleet.
Airbus said the aircraft will be operated by the 46th Wing from Phitsanulok Air Base, with deliveries scheduled for the first half of 2029.
The aircraft will be assembled at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain.
Thailand already operates three C295 aircraft with the Royal Thai Army, which has used the type for cargo and troop transport missions since 2016.
Related news
The new order adds to one of Southeast Asia’s most varied military transport fleets. The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates 11 Lockheed C-130H Hercules aircraft, along with 12 Pilatus PC-6 utility aircraft, five Saab 340 transports and up to eight Basler BT-67 aircraft.
The BT-67 is a heavily modernized version of the Douglas DC-3 equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines and updated avionics.
According to Airbus, the C295 ordered by Thailand will be configured for tactical transport missions, including troop transport, cargo operations, medical evacuation and paratrooper drops. The aircraft can carry up to 70 troops or 49 paratroopers and operate from unprepared runways.
Airbus also said it maintains cooperation with Thai Aviation Industries for maintenance support and training activities linked to the C295 fleet.
The manufacturer has accumulated more than 330 orders for the C295 from 39 countries worldwide, including several operators in the Asia-Pacific region.
