Royal Thai Air Force orders two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft

The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft in tactical transport configuration, strengthening Thailand’s military transport and logistics capabilities as regional defence modernisation efforts continue across Asia-Pacific.

According to details released on Thursday, the aircraft will be operated by the Air Force’s 46th Wing Division based at Phitsanulok air base. The aircraft will be assembled at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery expected during the first half of 2029.

The latest acquisition expands Thailand’s existing C295 fleet presence. The country currently operates three C295 aircraft under the Royal Thai Army, where the platform has been used for cargo and troop transport operations since 2016.

Aircraft designed for multi-role missions

The C295 is a medium tactical transport aircraft widely used for military logistics, troop deployment and humanitarian operations.

According to the aircraft specifications referenced in the announcement, the platform can:

• Carry up to 70 troops
• Transport 49 paratroopers
• Operate from unprepared runways
• Conduct cargo and paratrooper drops
• Perform medical evacuation missions

The aircraft’s operational flexibility has contributed to its growing adoption across defence forces seeking multi-role transport platforms capable of operating in varied geographic and infrastructure conditions.

Airbus expands regional defence footprint

Thailand’s latest order further strengthens Airbus’ defence aviation presence in the Asia-Pacific region, where several countries continue investing in tactical airlift capabilities and fleet modernisation programmes.

The announcement stated that Thailand joins six other Asia-Pacific countries currently operating the C295 platform.

According to Airbus data cited in the report:

• The C295 holds an 85 per cent market share in its segment
• The aircraft has secured 333 orders globally
• Operators span 39 countries across four continents
• The worldwide fleet has accumulated 750,000 flight hours

The programme also reflects Airbus’ continued collaboration with Thailand’s domestic aerospace ecosystem.

Maintenance partnership supports fleet operations

Airbus maintains a partnership with Thai Aviation Industries to support maintenance requirements for the country’s C295 fleet through technical training and advanced support programmes.

Industry observers note that long-term maintenance arrangements and training partnerships are increasingly becoming a central component of defence aviation procurement, particularly in Southeast Asia where operators are focusing on lifecycle support and operational readiness.

The addition of two new aircraft is expected to strengthen Thailand’s logistical transport capability while enhancing interoperability between existing army-operated and future air force-operated C295 platforms.

As regional defence spending continues evolving across Asia-Pacific, tactical transport aircraft are likely to remain a priority area for milita