Royal Thai Air Force’s H225M. Photo courtesy of Royal Thai Air ForceAirbus Helicopters has further solidified its partnership with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) through the signing of a new contract for two H225 multi-role helicopters. This acquisition marks a strategic enhancement of the RTAF’s operational capabilities, particularly in search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS), reinforcing its dual commitment to national security and humanitarian support.
The H225M has been a cornerstone of the RTAF’s rotary-wing fleet since its initial delivery in 2015. Over the past decade, these helicopters have demonstrated exceptional performance across a spectrum of demanding missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR), general SAR operations, and troop transport. The addition of two new aircraft, specifically designated for SAR and EMS roles, reflects the RTAF’s evolving operational needs and its confidence in the platform’s reliability and versatility.
Punpakdee Pattanakul, Air Chief Marshal of the RTAF, said: “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. 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.”
Domestic aerospace expertiseThe completion and integration of the new helicopters will be carried out by
www.taithailand.com/EN/home Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), leveraging its established partnership with Airbus Helicopters. This local collaboration ensures not only technical continuity but also the development of domestic aerospace expertise.
Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of global business at Airbus Helicopters, said: “We are deeply honoured by the continued trust the Royal Thai Air Force places in our H225 helicopters. This follow-on order is a testament to the H225’s versatility, advanced capabilities, and its critical role in supporting national defence 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.”
Globally, more than 360 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service, having accumulated close to 980,000 flight hours. The platform is trusted by military operators in countries including France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Kuwait.