Illustration of a Royal Thai Navy C295 over the Ang Thong National Marine Park at Ko Samui, Smui, Suratthani, Thailand | Image: Airbus Defence and Space
The Royal Thai Navy has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft in an advanced transport configuration for logistics, surveillance and search-and-rescue missions in Thailand, according to an announcement by Airbus on 27 May.
The aircraft will be based at U-Tapao air base in Sattahip and are intended to support a range of operational tasks. In addition to transport duties, the aircraft will be equipped for surveillance missions with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor suite designed to help crews detect, classify and identify targets during both daytime and nighttime operations.
The order follows a recent agreement involving the Royal Thai Air Force for two C295 aircraft. The Royal Thai Army has also operated three C295 aircraft since 2016 for cargo and troop transport missions.
The aircraft ordered by the Royal Thai Navy will be assembled at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain. Airbus said the first aircraft delivery is planned before the end of 2028.
Airbus stated that seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region have ordered a combined total of 90 C295 aircraft. The company also reported that 335 aircraft have been ordered globally by 39 countries.
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