Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft to strengthen its military airlift capabilities, Airbus announced in a press release issued Thursday.

The aircraft, configured for tactical transport missions, will be operated by the 46th Wing Division of the Royal Thai Air Force from the Phitsanulok air base in northern Thailand. Airbus said the two aircraft are scheduled to be assembled at its Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery expected in the first half of 2029.

The acquisition expands Thailand’s existing fleet of C295 aircraft. The Royal Thai Army has operated three C295s since 2016, primarily for cargo and troop transport operations.

According to Airbus, the C295 transport aircraft can carry up to 70 troops or 49 paratroopers and is capable of operating from unprepared runways. The aircraft can also conduct cargo and paratrooper drops as well as medical evacuation missions, making it suitable for a range of military and humanitarian operations.

Airbus did not disclose the financial value of the agreement or provide details regarding the procurement process.

The European aerospace manufacturer said the deal would also reinforce cooperation with Thailand’s domestic defence sector through its partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). Airbus noted that TAI supports maintenance operations for the country’s C295 fleet and provides advanced training services.

Thailand is among seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region operating the C295 aircraft. Airbus said the model currently holds an 85 percent share of the global market segment, with 333 aircraft ordered by 39 countries across four continents.

The company added that the worldwide C295 fleet has accumulated more than 750,000 flight hours to date.

Source: Airbus PR