The Royal Thai Navy has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft in an enhanced transport configuration, expanding the growing fleet of C295 tactical airlifters operated by the Thai Armed Forces. The new aircraft will support a wide range of missions, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), and logistical transport operations throughout Thailand. The acquisition follows a recent contract signed by the Royal Thai Air Force for two additional C295s and builds on the three aircraft already in service with the Royal Thai Army since 2016.
With this latest order, the C295 further strengthens its position as the tactical transport aircraft of choice for Thailand’s military services.
The Royal Thai Navy’s two C295s will operate from U-Tapao Air Base in Sattahip. In addition to transport duties, the aircraft will be equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions thanks to an advanced Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor suite. This capability will allow crews to detect, classify, and identify targets at sea and on land in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
Airbus Defence and Space will assemble the aircraft at its facilities in Seville, Spain. The first delivery is scheduled for the end of 2028.