Thailand Acquires 2 More Airbus H225Ms
AIRBUS Helicopters received a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for two more H225M multi-role helicopters which will significantly enhance the RTAF’s capabilities in vital search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, reinforcing their commitment to national security and humanitarian support.
This acquisition expands the RTAF’s existing fleet of H225Ms, which have been serving with distinction since their first delivery in 2015. These robust helicopters are currently deployed in a wide range of critical missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR), general SAR flights, and troop transport operations. The RTAF also operates a fleet of H135 military training helicopters, underscoring its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The completion work for these new H225s will be performed by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) through its established partnership with Airbus Helicopters, ensuring seamless integration and local expertise.
“The H225M has proven to be an indispensable asset to our operations over the past decade, delivering exceptional performance and reliability across diverse and challenging missions,” said the outgoing RTAF Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Punpakdee Pattanakul. “The addition of these two new helicopters, specifically designated for SAR and EMS, will further strengthen our ability to protect and serve the people of Thailand, ensuring we can respond effectively to emergencies wherever they may arise”, he added.
Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President of Global Business Olivier Michalon said, “We are deeply honoured by the continued trust the RTAF places in our H225M. This follow-on order is a testament to the H225M’s versatility, advanced capabilities, and its critical role in supporting national defence and public service missions. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the RTAF, ensuring they have the best tools for their vital work.”
Over 360 H225s and H225Ms continue flying around the world daily, totaling close to 980,000 flight hours to date. Military customers include France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore,Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq and Kuwait. The H225M Southeast Asia user ecosystem includes the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) partnered with Airbus Helicopters on crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities for the RSAF’s H225M and Airbus’ Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS). The partnership aims to explore how crewed-uncrewed teaming can enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes through a flight demonstration.
The brand new crewed-uncrewed teaming system, HTeaming, will be integrated on board the RSAF’s H225M, allowing its crew to take full control of the Flexrotor. The operational demonstration will be set up to show the efficiency of Airbus’ teaming solution and the added value of cooperation between crewed helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems. Airbus recently unveiled HTeaming, a modular crewed-uncrewed teaming system. The system currently features a modem, four antennas, a tablet and software.
Just yesterday, the RTAF ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+) which uses the A330neo based on the evolved combat-proven, aerial refuelling and transport A330 MRTT. The RTAF’s future A330 MRTT+ will be equipped with both the hose-and-drogue, and a boom for air-to-air refuelling (AAR) systems. Furthermore, Airbus’ Medical Evacuation kit solution will come in a VVIP cabin configuration.
As Thailand continues to modernise its armed forces, international defence giants and decision-makers will gather at the 12th Defense & Security 2025 this November with the full backing of the kingdom’s Armed Forces. It is one of the longest running defence exhibitions since its inception two decades ago, gathering regional leaders and global industry powerhouses. With the Thai military accelerating efforts to reinforce its capabilities, Defense & Security 2025 is set to be bigger, faster, and more impactful than ever.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:AIRBUS)