Aircraft to support transport, surveillance and search and rescue missions

The Royal Thai Navy has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft in an enhanced transport configuration designed to support surveillance and search and rescue operations in addition to logistics missions.

According to Airbus, the order follows a recent Royal Thai Air Force contract for two C295 aircraft and expands Thailand’s existing C295 fleet already operated by the Royal Thai Army since 2016 for cargo and troop transport missions.

Enhanced operational capability

The aircraft will operate from U-Tapao air base in Sattahip and will be equipped with Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor systems enabling target detection, classification, and identification at sea and on land during both day and night operations.

Airbus stated that the aircraft will be assembled at its Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery scheduled for the end of 2028.

Regional fleet growth

Airbus noted that 90 C295 aircraft have now been ordered by seven countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The manufacturer stated that the C295 currently holds 85% of the market share within its segment, with 335 aircraft ordered by 39 countries globally.

The company added that the global C295 fleet has accumulated 750,000 flight hours to date.