RTAF will be Equipped with 12 AT-6 Wolverine Attack Aircraft

28 Juni 2021

AT-6 Wolverine (photo : USAF)

The Air Force has announced the winner of a bid for the project to supply eight light attack aircraft, in a specific way procurement of light attack aircraft with equipment, spare parts, support systems, training and other equipment necessary. Which selected the AT-6 Wolverine aircraft from Textron Aviation Defense LLC of the United States. Total amount is 4,314 million baht.

The project is a continuation of the PC-9M procurement programme, with competitors T-6 from Textron, PC-21 from Pilatus, and KT-1 Wongbee from KAI. The T-6 won the competition. The project's plan is to acquire 12 downstream trainers to replace the PC-9M, which had signed a contract in 2020, and to supply 12 attack planes using the same plan as the other 12 trainers. Delivery plan are 8 aircraft in 2021 and 4 aircraft in 2022 to replace the 411 Squadron's L-39ZA/ART which had been retired in March.

Textron's proposal is to allow manufacturers in Thailand to produce up to 40% of the parts to be assembled into aerospace and to do final assembly in Thailand. Thai Aviation Industry Company Limited or TAI, which is a State-Owned Enterprise of the Air Force. It also provides access to the operational flight program to customize, modify and equip the weapon systems the Air Force needs.

(TAF)