Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to officially induct eight AT-6 light attack aircraft into service on 7 August 2025. The commissioning ceremony will take place at Wing 41 Air Base in Chiang Mai, where the aircraft will be based.

 

The AT-6TH aircraft, manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC of the United States, are part of a five-year procurement project (2021–2025) valued at 4.6 billion baht. The package includes spare parts, training systems and supporting equipment. These aircraft are designed for multiple roles, including air-to-ground attack and border surveillance operations.

 

The RTAF initially received two AT-6 aircraft, designated 41101 and 41102, on 16 July 2024. Since then, deliveries have continued until all eight have been received. The AT-6TH is now the eighth type of attack aircraft to be inducted into the RTAF’s fleet.

 

The aircraft are equipped to perform a variety of missions, including:

 

• Close air support (CAS)

• Forward air control (airborne)

• Armed reconnaissance

• Air strikes

• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)

• Combat search and rescue (CSAR)

• Disaster imagery and assessment

• Aerial wildfire control support

 

Beyond combat roles, the aircraft are also intended to enhance inter-agency coordination in national defence and disaster response.

 

This procurement underscores Thailand’s ongoing efforts to modernise its air capabilities while reinforcing its strategic presence in border regions.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-03

 

 

 

It is suspected that it might be used to monitor Cambodian military activities as well as to observe drone swarms.

Far more sensible than the fast jets 

1 hour ago, JoePai said:

Far more sensible than the fast jets 

Didn't even know Texans/Wolverines were still being manufactured for actual military missions until I saw this article!  Production of these started in 1939...

 

 

This aircraft is the ideal type for the Cambodia border mission. It flies low and can loiter much longer than a F-16 or the Gripen.  Also, cheaper to procure and operate. 

I am surprised that the RTAF was so cost conscious. The public information is that this purchase, along with support equipment, spare parts, and training, was  US$143 million. (US$17.875 million per aircraft). I wonder how they will be equipped. The manufacturer says; The aircraft can carry a variety of laser-guided and GPS-guided weapons, as well as guided and unguided rockets. It can also be fitted with a gunpod and it is equipped for night vision goggle. operations. 

 

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 I wonder how they will be equipped.

Most likely to the point of allowed security clearance.

Like printers then. Buy the printer from one manufacturer and the ink from another.

A great little aircraft, also used extensively in the US military for training pilots as well as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and precision attack if required, Ideal for border defense.

Absolutely the right choice for Thailand .

6 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

Absolutely the right choice for Thailand .

 

I would have gone with Enbraer Super Tacano then no political restrictions on use or weapons.  

20 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

I would have gone with Enbraer Super Tacano then no political restrictions on use or weapons.  

 

Very similar capable aircraft but don't know what the cost difference would be between AT6 and Tucano, doubtful there would be political restrictions on simple ground attack ordnance. 

 

AT6

 

 

Tucano

48 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

I would have gone with Enbraer Super Tacano then no political restrictions on use or weapons.  

Yes. That could have been the other option. USAF has tested this aircraft for CAS and possibly fill the gap when the greatest CAS aircraft is sent to the boneyard: A10 Warthog.

Perfect fighter aircraft for Thailand, I would also look into building a swarm of Kamikaze drones, to take out other drones, or to fly into the path of any fighter jets, sort of like a flock of geese. Not sure why kamikaze drones aren't being used by many nations, a cheap solution capable of taking out very expensive fighter jets and attack/surveillance drones.

On 8/3/2025 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

These aircraft are designed for multiple roles, including air-to-ground attack and border surveillance operations.

Perfect for the job at hand.

When they suddenly wake up and realized that using F16s against Cambodians was like using a sledgehammer to kill an ant...🤣🤣😎.. you might also miss... 🤣😂

What Thailand really needs are a few dozen of these...

 

On 8/3/2025 at 7:22 AM, Jone500 said:

It is suspected that it might be used to monitor Cambodian military activities as well as to observe drone swarms.

 

From Chiang Mai? I doubt it.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

 

From Chiang Mai? I doubt it.

 

There is a base in Ubon 😎

19 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

 

From Chiang Mai? I doubt it.

 

There is a base in Ubon

 

...which hasn't been mentioned in the presser.

 

On 8/3/2025 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

The commissioning ceremony will take place at Wing 41 Air Base in Chiang Mai, where the aircraft will be based. ...

 

Then, 

 

On 8/3/2025 at 7:22 AM, Jone500 said:

It is suspected that it might be used to monitor Cambodian military activities as well as to observe drone swarms.

 

And,

 

On 8/3/2025 at 10:39 AM, sqwakvfr said:

This aircraft is the ideal type for the Cambodia border mission. It flies low and can loiter much longer than a F-16 or the Gripen.  Also, cheaper to procure and operate. 

 

"I love the smell of suspicion in the morning. Smells like...speculation!"

 

(with acknowledgement: Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore, commander of 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment and surfing fanatic.)

On 8/3/2025 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

attack aircraft

Why that?

Does it mean they will proceed in attacking? 😶

On 8/2/2025 at 11:18 PM, DrPhibes said:

Didn't even know Texans/Wolverines were still being manufactured for actual military missions until I saw this article!  Production of these started in 1939...

 

 

The T6 Texan II started in 2000, some even have the newest glass cockpit.

 

The US Navy and USAF both use this for teaching new pilots learn to fly. 

 

Mexico also uses the T6 for military roles.

On 8/3/2025 at 8:50 AM, JoePai said:

Far more sensible than the fast jets 

Far more sensible than a submarine or aircraft carrier!

4 hours ago, NemoH said:

When they suddenly wake up and realized that using F16s against Cambodians was like using a sledgehammer to kill an ant...🤣🤣😎.. you might also miss... 🤣😂

Yea, it was a lot of weaponry...but probably those pilots that flew those missions never ever had an opportunity to do what they may have trained to do for years.  More chest candy.

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

From Chiang Mai? I doubt it.

Classic. Armed conflict on the Cambodian border, so send these to Chiang Mai 😂

 

I guess they might be relocated at some point in time. Although knowing the Thai’s each regional Air Force commander regards the equipment under his command as his personal private property and won’t let them go!

Must be a pilot's delight...

On 8/3/2025 at 1:10 PM, sqwakvfr said:

A10 Warthog

Brrrrt brrrrt 😁

 

Maybe Thailand could get hands on decommissioned A-10s from the US. That would scare the <deleted> out of the Cambodian ground forces. 

 

Or can the T6 carry a gatling gun?

6 minutes ago, CLW said:

Brrrrt brrrrt 😁

 

Maybe Thailand could get hands on decommissioned A-10s from the US. That would scare the <deleted> out of the Cambodian ground forces. 

 

Or can the T6 carry a gatling gun?

Such a beautiful sound. Especially if one is pinned down.  

6 minutes ago, CLW said:

Brrrrt brrrrt 😁

 

Maybe Thailand could get hands on decommissioned A-10s from the US. That would scare the <deleted> out of the Cambodian ground forces. 

 

Or can the T6 carry a gatling gun?

 

Ammo too heavy. Underwing Mini Gun in development.😎

1 minute ago, sqwakvfr said:

Such a beautiful sound. Especially if one is pinned down.  

A-10. My favourite aircraft in all combat flight simulators

Dear Mr Trump,

We have bought a lot of very expensive unnecessy military equipment even though our educational standards suggest we will have problems operating them.

Please can we have our import duties reduced now?

Love,

Thailand

PS also included stick of our world famous Thai weed for your mental health and well being