BANGKOK — 27 May 2026, The Royal Thai Navy has signed a procurement agreement with Airbus Defence and Space for two C295 maritime patrol and transport aircraft, along with support systems and auxiliary equipment, navy spokesman Rear Adm. Parach Rattanachaiphan announced Tuesday.
Navy commander Adm. Pairoj Fueangchan signed the agreement, which aims to strengthen what the navy describes as its “aerial dimension at sea” — the integration of air assets into naval operations.
The C295 is a military transport aircraft in service with more than 37 countries, with over 300 units delivered worldwide. The Royal Thai Army already operates this type of planes, a factor the navy said would ease joint operations, maintenance, logistics, and long-term aircrew development across services.
The aircraft will be capable of maritime patrol using modern detection systems, short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, troop and equipment transport, aerial delivery, day and night search and rescue (SAR), and medical evacuation (Medevac).
Rattanachaiphan said the acquisition goes beyond simply adding aircraft to the fleet.
“This is an upgrade of joint operational capability between naval and air forces to respond to threats and maritime situations in the future — across security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions,” he said.
The navy described the procurement as transparent and cost-effective relative to long-term national interests.
