The Royal Thai Air Force has bolstered its defence capabilities by ordering two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft. These aircraft will be operated by the 46th Wing Division from the Phitsanulok air base. The acquisition adds to Thailand’s existing fleet of three C295s, which have been in operation since 2016 for cargo and troop transport missions.
The C295s will be assembled at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery expected in the first half of 2029. These aircraft are designed to carry 70 troops or 49 paratroopers and can take off and land on unprepared runways. They are also capable of performing cargo and paratrooper drops and medical evacuations.
Airbus is actively contributing to the Thai defence industry through a partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), which supports the maintenance of the C295 fleet with advanced training. Thailand is one of seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region operating the C295, which holds 85% of the market share in its segment. Globally, the C295 fleet has accumulated 750,000 flight hours, with 333 orders from 39 countries across four continents.
This acquisition underscores Thailand’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and maintaining a robust defence infrastructure
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
