The Royal Thai Navy has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft configured for transport, surveillance and search-and-rescue missions, expanding the growing presence of the European turboprop across Thailand’s armed forces.
Airbus announced the agreement on May 27, only days after the Royal Thai Air Force ordered two C295 tactical transports for its own fleet.
Thailand already operates three C295s with the Royal Thai Army, which has used the aircraft for cargo and troop transport missions since 2016.
According to Airbus, the new naval aircraft will operate from U-Tapao air base in Sattahip and will receive an enhanced mission configuration that includes electro-optical and infrared sensor systems for maritime and overland surveillance.
The company said the aircraft will be capable of detecting, classifying and identifying targets during both day and night operations.
The C295s ordered by the navy will also support transport and search-and-rescue missions.
Assembly will take place at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery expected by the end of 2028.
The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse transport fleets, including Lockheed C-130H Hercules aircraft, Saab 340 transports, Pilatus PC-6 utility aircraft and Basler BT-67 turboprops derived from the Douglas DC-3.
Airbus said operators in the Asia-Pacific region have now ordered a combined 90 C295 aircraft. Globally, the manufacturer has accumulated 335 orders for the type from 39 countries.
