Asian Defence News: Airbus

Airbus put Thailand on its C295 world tour map by displaying the C295 MSA aircraft for Thai government to consider as they see the opportunity to break into the Thai market to replace the aging fleet of Do-228, Fokker F.27, and P-3T maritime surveillance aircraft. Airbus claim that it's more advanced avionic and mission flexibility make the C295 an ideal choice to replace those fleet.

The C295 on display to Thailand is the Brazilian Air Force Maritime surveillance version with surface search radar, EO/IR, as well as the medical compartment option to be installed on the MEDEVAC mission.

Thailand currently operate many types of Airbus' aircraft. A total of 12 C212s is in service with the Royal Thai Army and the Department of Royal Rainmaking of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative. Another 4 of CN235s is in service with the Royal Thai Police and recently RTA has taken delivery of this sole C295 transport aircraft.