The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft in tactical transport configuration, further strengthening the transport capabilities of Thailand’s armed forces.
The new aircraft will be assigned to the 46th Wing of the Royal Thai Air Force and will operate from Phitsanulok Air Base. The first delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2029, while the aircraft will be assembled at Airbus Defence and Space’s facility in Seville, Spain.
Thailand already has experience with the type. Since 2016, the Royal Thai Army has operated three Airbus C295 aircraft, which are used for cargo and troop transport. The new order for the air force will expand the use of the type within Thailand’s defence system.
In transport configuration, the Airbus C295 can carry up to 70 troops or 49 paratroopers. The aircraft is intended for tactical transport missions, including operations from unprepared runways, cargo and paratrooper drops, as well as medical evacuation. These capabilities make it suitable for countries requiring a robust platform for a variety of military, logistical and humanitarian missions.
In its statement, Airbus also highlighted its cooperation with Thailand’s defence industry. The company works with Thai Aviation Industries, which supports the maintenance of the C295 fleet, including through advanced training.
Thailand is one of seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region operating the C295. According to Airbus, the C295 holds an 85 percent market share in its segment, with a total of 333 orders from 39 countries across four continents. To date, the global fleet of the type has accumulated 750,000 flight hours.
