Aviation News – Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for two new H225 multi-role helicopters, strengthening Thailand’s ability to conduct vital search and rescue and emergency medical missions.
The agreement, announced on September 26 in Marignane, France, builds on a decade-long partnership between Airbus and the RTAF. The service already operates a fleet of H225Ms, first delivered in 2015, alongside H135 training helicopters. The new aircraft will undergo completion work at Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), ensuring local expertise and operational readiness.
The H225 is known for its long-range capability, heavy-lift capacity, and advanced avionics, making it especially suited for challenging missions. In RTAF service, the helicopters will play a critical role in search and rescue, combat rescue, troop transport, and emergency medical support.
“This contract reinforces the strong relationship between Airbus and the Royal Thai Air Force,” an Airbus Helicopters spokesperson said. “The H225 has already proven its reliability in demanding operations, and these new helicopters will further boost Thailand’s national security and humanitarian response efforts.”
The addition of these aircraft signals a broader investment in regional aviation capability. By leveraging local maintenance and completion through TAI, the program also supports Thailand’s domestic aerospace industry while ensuring sustained operational support.
With the arrival of the new H225s, the RTAF will further expand its ability to respond to emergencies and humanitarian crises at home and abroad. The move reflects Thailand’s strategic focus on preparedness, resilience, and strengthening its long-standing partnership with Airbus.
