The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to acquire two new H225 multi-role helicopters. These aircraft will significantly enhance the service’s ability to conduct critical missions, particularly in search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical support. The acquisition highlights Thailand’s focus on both national defense and humanitarian operations.
This order builds on the RTAF’s current fleet of H225Ms, which have been in operation since 2015 and continue to play a vital role in missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), troop transport, and conventional SAR tasks. Known for their endurance and versatility, the H225M helicopters have already demonstrated their value in high-demand operational environments.
The integration of the new helicopters will be handled by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, ensuring strong local involvement in maintenance and completion work. The RTAF’s use of other Airbus platforms, such as the H135 for pilot training, reflects the depth of its partnership with the European aerospace manufacturer.
Airbus’ H225 family is widely used across the world, with more than 360 helicopters in service globally and nearly one million flight hours logged. Military customers include nations such as France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Mexico, Indonesia, and Iraq, underscoring the platform’s reputation as a reliable, combat-proven solution for diverse operational needs.
