Thailand Orders Two Airbus C295 Tactical Transport Aircraft

THAILAND’S Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has acquired two Airbus C295 in tactical transport configuration, which will enhance Thailand’s defence capabilities. The two C295s will be operated by the 46th Wing Division of the RTAF from the Phitsanulok air base.

Thailand already has three C295s operated by the Royal Thai Army (RTA), performing cargo and troop transport missions since 2016. The aircraft will be assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery scheduled in the first half of 2029. The C295s in transport configuration have the capacity to carry 70 troops or 49 paratroopers, take off and land on unprepared runways, perform cargo and paratrooper drops, as well as undertake medical evacuation. 

Airbus contributes to the Thai defence industry through a partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) for their support in the maintenance of the C295 fleet through advanced training means.  Thailand is one of the seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region that operates the C295. As the global leader in its segment, the C295 holds 85% of the market share with a total of 333 orders from 39 countries across four continents. To date, the global C295 fleet has achieved 750,000 flight hours. 

Also in the region, Brunei is the most recent recipient of its final two C295MW aircraft, delivered by Airbus Defence and Space on April 20. Brunei signed a deal with Airbus in December 2022 for a total of four C295MWs to supersede the CN235-110M which has served in the RBAF in various capacities.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:AIRBUS)