Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for two H225 multi-role helicopters, a purchase that will broaden the service’s capacity in search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS). The agreement reflects the RTAF’s commitment to safeguarding national security while also providing rapid humanitarian assistance when needed.
The RTAF already operates a fleet of H225M helicopters, first introduced in 2015, which have been deployed in missions ranging from combat search and rescue to troop transport and general emergency response. These aircraft have earned a reputation within the force for their range, endurance, and reliability in demanding conditions. The addition of two more units will allow the RTAF to dedicate them specifically to SAR and EMS duties, reinforcing its readiness to respond quickly to crises both at home and abroad.
Integration of the new aircraft will be carried out by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) under its established partnership with Airbus Helicopters. This ensures the completion work is supported by local expertise, maintaining continuity with the rest of the fleet while contributing to the development of Thailand’s aviation industry. The cooperation also builds on Airbus’s long-standing ties with the RTAF, which include the use of H135 training helicopters.
Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, Commander of the RTAF, welcomed the acquisition, describing the H225M as “an indispensable asset” over the past decade. He noted that the new helicopters would enhance the air force’s ability to serve the Thai people, ensuring effective responses to emergencies ranging from natural disasters to urgent medical evacuations.
The contract, which builds upon a decade of collaboration between the RTAF and Airbus, represents a further step in modernising Thailand’s air mobility capabilities and ensuring the force remains equipped to meet the demands of both defence and humanitarian operations.
