THE Thai navy has signed an agreement to purchase two Airbus C295 reconnaissance and rescue aircraft, elevating its security and humanitarian mission capabilities to an international level, Amarin TV said today (May 28).
Adm. Pairoj Fuangchan, the navy’s commander-in-chief, signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space for the purchase of the two transport aircraft with capabilities for both transport and maritime surveillance, along with support systems and auxiliary equipment, following the approval process, RADM. Parach Rattanachaiyapan, the navy’s spokesperson, said.
The goal is to strengthen the navy’s “air-at-sea” capabilities, ensuring readiness to respond to today’s complex and rapidly changing maritime security situations.
This order follows the recent contract the Thai air force placed for two C295s and adds on the three aircraft already operated by the Thai Army, performing cargo and troop transport missions since 2016. The C295 has become the tactical transport aircraft of reference for the Thai armed forces, Airbus said.
The two C295s for the Thai navy, which will be operated from the U-Tapao air base in Sattahip, will be able to detect, classify, and identify targets at sea or on land, operating effectively in both day and night conditions as they will be equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor suite.
The aircraft will be assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery scheduled by the end of 2028.
A total of 90 C295s have been ordered by seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The C295 is the global leader in its segment, holding 85% of the market share with 335 orders from 39 countries across four continents. To date, the global C295 fleet has achieved 750,000 flight hours.
RADM. Parach mentioned that this procurement of maritime patrol aircraft is not merely an increase in the number of aircraft, but rather an upgrade to the capability of joint operations between naval and air force. This will enable a more effective response to future maritime threats and situations, encompassing security, civilian assistance, and humanitarian operations, within a reasonable, transparent, and cost-effective budget framework that benefits the country in the long term.
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Top and Front Page – Airbus C295 aircraft. Photos – Amarin TV
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