All three branches: Thailand orders Airbus C295 for both Air Force and Navy
Airbus has secured an order for the C295 with the Royal Thai Navy, with the acquisition of two aircraft on 27 May.
The aircraft are being ordered in an enhanced transport configuration that will allow for search and rescue missions as well as logistical operations. Deliveries are expected from late 2028.
This order follows on from the previously announced order for two C295s for the Royal Thai Air Force. Those aircraft are expected to deliver from 2029.
The new order means the Airbus C295 will fly for all three branches of the Thai forces, as the Royal Thai Army already operates three.
See below for previous coverage of the two-aircraft C295 order for RTAF, as reported by AGN on 22 May.
Royal Thai Air Force orders two Airbus C295 transport aircraft
The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft in a deal intended to strengthen Thailand’s airlift and military transport capabilities.
Announced by Airbus on 22 May, the aircraft will be operated by the Royal Thai Air Force’s 46th Wing Division from Phitsanulok air base. The two aircraft will be assembled at Airbus facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery expected in the first half of 2029.
Thailand expands its Airbus C295 fleet
The order marks the first time the Royal Thai Air Force will operate the Airbus C295, although Thailand is already an established operator of the type through the Royal Thai Army.
Thailand’s army has operated three C295 aircraft since 2016, using them for cargo and troop transport missions.
The C295 is designed for tactical transport operations and can carry up to 70 troops or 49 paratroopers. The aircraft is also capable of operating from unprepared runways and can perform cargo drops, paratrooper missions and medical evacuation operations.
Airbus said it continues to support Thailand’s defence industry through its partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), which provides maintenance support and advanced training services for the country’s C295 fleet.
Who else operates the Airbus C295?
Thailand is one of seven operators of the C295 in the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the aircraft’s growing popularity as a tactical transport platform.
Globally, the twin-turboprop aircraft has secured 333 orders from 39 countries and accounts for around 85% of the market segment, according to Airbus. The worldwide C295 fleet has now accumulated more than 750,000 flight hours.
The C295 is widely used for tactical airlift, maritime patrol, search and rescue, intelligence missions and humanitarian operations. Major operators include India, Spain, Brazil, Canada and Poland.
Featured image: Airbus
