The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has signed new agreements with Airbus to add both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to its fleet, covering aerial refuelling, transport, and search and rescue roles.
In a deal announced on 25 September, the RTAF ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). Based on the A330neo platform, the MRTT+ will be delivered in 2029 after undergoing military conversion at Airbus’ centre in Getafe, Spain. The aircraft will be configured with both hose-and-drogue and boom refuelling systems, a VVIP cabin, and Airbus’ medical evacuation kit. The aircraft will also introduce the latest A330-800 innovations, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and aerodynamic enhancements, designed to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability.” He added that Airbus will work with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to provide in-country maintenance support as part of an expanded memorandum of understanding aligned with Thailand’s “Make in Thailand” policy.
The MRTT+ will join a global fleet of A330 MRTTs currently operated by 11 customers, including NATO, Australia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. The type is certified to refuel more than 25 aircraft models and has accumulated over 340,000 flight hours.
Separately, Airbus Helicopters confirmed a contract signed on 26 September for two H225 multi-role helicopters for the RTAF. The new aircraft will be designated for search and rescue and emergency medical service missions. They will complement the air force’s existing H225M fleet, first delivered in 2015, which supports combat search and rescue, troop transport, and humanitarian operations. The RTAF also operates H135 training helicopters.
Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul of the RTAF said: “The H225M has proven to be an indispensable asset to our operations over the past decade. 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.”
Completion work on the H225s will be carried out locally by TAI, continuing the partnership with Airbus Helicopters and expanding local industrial involvement. More than 360 H225s and H225Ms are currently in service worldwide, with close to one million flight hours accumulated.
