Royal Thai Air Force orders next-generation A330 MRTT+ and two H225 helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for two H225 multi-role helicopters. These new aircraft will significantly enhance the RTAF’s capabilities in vital search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, reinforcing its commitment to national security and humanitarian support.

This latest acquisition expands the RTAF’s existing fleet of H225Ms, which have been in service since their first delivery in 2015. These helicopters are currently deployed in a wide range of critical missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR), general SAR flights, and troop transport operations. The completion work for these new H225s will be performed by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) through its established partnership with Airbus Helicopters, ensuring seamless integration and local expertise.

“The H225M has proven to be an indispensable asset to our operations over the past decade, delivering exceptional performance and reliability across diverse and challenging missions,” said the RTAF’s Air Chief Marshal, Punpakdee Pattanakul. “The addition of these two new helicopters, specifically designated for SAR and EMS, will further strengthen our ability to protect and serve the people of Thailand, ensuring we can respond effectively to emergencies, wherever they may arise.”

“We are deeply honored by the continued trust the Royal Thai Air Force places in our H225 helicopters,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “This follow-on order is a testament to the H225’s versatility, advanced capabilities, and its critical role in supporting national defense and public service missions. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the RTAF, ensuring they have the best tools for their vital work.”

Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and medevac missions

The RTAF has also ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). The A330neo-based evolution of the combat-proven, aerial refueling and transport aircraft A330 MRTT will be equipped with both the hose and drogue, and a boom, as refueling systems. Also included is the Airbus medical evacuation (medevac) kit solution, while the aircraft will come in a VVIP cabin configuration.

It is scheduled to enter into military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to the RTAF in 2029.

“Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. “This natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force operations, builds on its proven performance over the past years in service with nine customers all over the world, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours.”

This strategic addition to the RTAF fleet marks a significant step in bolstering Thailand’s national defense, and enhancing its ability to respond effectively during crises, ensuring the safety and security of the Kingdom. The A330 MRTT+’s advanced capabilities will be instrumental in securing Thailand’s sovereignty, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and supporting medevac missions.

In parallel with this new order, Airbus will further strengthen its collaboration with TAI. Both companies have signed an expanded memorandum of understanding (MoU) to include in-country maintenance support for the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+. This expansion builds on their existing cooperation on support for C295 transport aircraft in Thailand.

The expanded MoU also marks an important step in Airbus’ long-term strategy to align with the Kingdom’s ‘Made in Thailand’ policy. By expanding TAI’s scope of activities to include A330 MRTT+ maintenance and in-service support, Airbus will support the Royal Thai Armed Forces in increasing self-reliance for critical operational needs, while contributing to local capability building.

StarFlight in Tasmania recently ordered three new Airbus H145s for EMS missions.