The Royal Thai Navy orders two Airbus C295 in advanced transport configuration

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Seville, Spain. 27 May 2026 – The Royal Thai Navy has acquired two Airbus C295 in an enhanced transport configuration that will enable surveillance and Search and Rescue missions, on top of the logistic operations for Thailand. 

This order follows the recent contract with the Royal Thai Air Force for two C295s and adds on the three aircraft already operated by the Royal Thai Army, performing cargo and troop transport missions since 2016. The C295 has become the tactical transport aircraft of reference for the Thai Armed Forces.

The two C295s for the Thai Navy, which will be operated from the U-Tapao air base in Sattahip, will be able to detect, classify, and identify targets at sea or on land, operating effectively in both day and night conditions as they will be equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor suite.

The aircraft will be assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery scheduled by the end of 2028.

A total of 90 C295s have been ordered by seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The C295 is the global leader in its segment, holding 85% of the market share with 335 orders from 39 countries across four continents. To date, the global C295 fleet has achieved 750,000 flight hours. 

photo courtesy Airbus

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Classification
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / Logistics
Subcategory
New Weapon System
SALUTE Report
Size
2 aircraft
Activity
Acquisition of Airbus C295 for enhanced transport and surveillance capabilities
Location
Sattahip · Thailand
Unit
Royal Thai Navy
Time
27 May 2026
Equipment
Airbus C295Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor suite
Summary

The Royal Thai Navy acquired two Airbus C295 aircraft on 27 May 2026, enhancing its transport and surveillance capabilities. These aircraft will be based at U-Tapao air base in Sattahip, Thailand, and are equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red sensor suite for effective operations. The first delivery is expected by the end of 2028.

Key Facts
  • Royal Thai Navy orders two Airbus C295 aircraft.
  • The aircraft will enhance surveillance and Search and Rescue missions.
  • The C295s will be operated from U-Tapao air base in Sattahip, Thailand.
  • The first delivery is scheduled by the end of 2028.
  • A total of 90 C295s have been ordered by seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

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