PATTAYA, Thailand – Royal Thai Navy has officially signed an agreement with Airbus Defense and Space for the procurement of two Airbus C295 military aircraft as part of efforts to strengthen Thailand’s maritime and aerial security capabilities. According to Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, the agreement was signed on May 27 by Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Pairot Fuangchan following formal approval procedures. The procurement includes two Airbus C295 aircraft along with support systems and additional equipment designed to improve the Navy’s operational readiness in what officials described as increasingly complex and rapidly changing maritime security conditions. The Airbus C295 is a globally recognized military transport aircraft currently used by more than 37 countries, with over 300 units in service worldwide. Thailand’s Army already operates aircraft from the C295 family, allowing improved interoperability between branches in areas such as training, maintenance, logistics, and aviation personnel development.
The Navy said the new aircraft will significantly improve maritime patrol and surveillance operations through advanced detection systems and modern monitoring equipment, enhancing Thailand’s ability to monitor strategic maritime zones and protect national interests at sea. Officials also highlighted the aircraft’s Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capability, enabling operations at remote airfields and border areas. Beyond surveillance, the C295 can support troop and cargo transport, airborne deployment missions, maritime search-and-rescue operations, and medical evacuation flights during emergencies. The Navy stressed that the procurement represents more than simply expanding aircraft numbers, describing it as part of a broader effort to improve joint operations between naval and air forces while supporting national security, disaster relief, humanitarian operations, and public assistance missions under what it called a transparent and cost-effective budget framework.
