Thailand is set to expand its fleet of Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft to five platforms after placing an order for two additional aircraft.
The Royal Thai Army has operated three C295 aircraft since 2016 for troop movement and cargo transport missions. The newly ordered aircraft, however, will be assigned to the Royal Thai Air Force’s 46th Wing Division based at Phitsanulok air base.
According to Airbus, the first of the two new aircraft is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2029 following production at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain.
To support long-term fleet sustainment, Airbus has also partnered with Thai Aviation Industries to provide maintenance services for Thailand’s growing C295 fleet.
C295 Tactical Transport Aircraft
The Airbus C295 is a medium-range twin-turboprop tactical transport aircraft featuring a pressurized cabin measuring 12.69 meters (42 feet) in length and equipped with retractable landing gear.
The aircraft can transport up to 70 troops or carry payloads of up to 8,000 kilograms (17,637 pounds) while cruising at speeds of up to 260 knots (482 km/h or 299 mph).
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, the C295 can operate at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). It is also capable of short takeoff and landing operations from austere and unpaved runways and can remain airborne for as long as 13 hours.
