The Royal Thai Navy has signed an agreement to procure two new transport aircraft to strengthen its maritime air operations capability and support a wider range of naval missions. The agreement was signed on 27 May 2026 between Admiral Phairot Fuengchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and Airbus Defence and Space.
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According to Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesperson, the procurement includes two Airbus C295 aircraft together with support systems and additional equipment. The acquisition was approved through official procedures and is intended to enhance the Navy’s “maritime air dimension” capability amid increasingly complex and rapidly changing maritime security challenges.
The Airbus C295 is a military transport aircraft widely used internationally, with more than 300 aircraft in service across 37 countries. The aircraft is already operated by the Royal Thai Army, allowing for greater interoperability between branches of the armed forces in areas including training, maintenance, logistics support and long-term aviation personnel development.
The Navy stated that the aircraft will improve maritime patrol and surveillance operations through modern detection systems and advanced onboard equipment. The enhanced capability is expected to improve maritime situational awareness across key strategic areas and strengthen the protection of Thailand’s maritime sovereignty and national interests.
The C295 also offers short take-off and landing capability, allowing operations from shorter runways and in remote or border areas. The aircraft can support tactical missions including troop and equipment transport, airborne delivery operations, maritime search and rescue missions during both day and night, and medical evacuation flights during emergencies.
Rear Admiral Parach said the procurement represented more than simply increasing aircraft numbers. He described the move as an effort to improve joint operational capability between naval and air forces so they can better respond to future maritime threats, humanitarian missions and public assistance operations.
The Navy also stated that the procurement had been carried out within an appropriate budget framework and would provide long-term value for national missions and Thailand’s maritime interests. The deal forms part of broader efforts to modernise military capabilities and strengthen operational readiness.
The Daily News reported that further details regarding delivery schedules, operational deployment and training programmes are expected to be announced at a later stage.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews News 29 May 2026
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