Royal Thai Air Force Signed Order for Next Generation Airbus A330 MRTT+ and Adds Two Airbus H225 Helicopters

27 September 2025

Airbus A330 MRTT+ aircraft with RTAF marking (image: Airbus)

Getafe – The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). The A330neo-based evolution of the combat-proven, aerial refuelling and transport aircraft A330 MRTT, will be equipped with both the hose-and-drogue, and a boom, as refuelling systems. Also included is the Airbus Medical Evacuation kit solution and will come in a VVIP cabin configuration. 

The aircraft is scheduled to enter into military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to customer in 2029. 

“Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability. This natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force operations, builds on its proven performance over the past years in service with nine customers all over the world, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.  

This strategic addition to the RTAF fleet marks a significant step in bolstering Thailand’s national defence, and enhancing its ability to respond effectively during crises, ensuring the safety and security of the Kingdom. The A330 MRTT+’s advanced capabilities will be instrumental in securing Thailand’s sovereignty, providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and supporting Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. 

Airbus A330 MRTT+ aircraft (image: Airbus)

Launched at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the A330 MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips. These deliver up to 8% lower fuel burn and reduced noise. An increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes (up from 233 tonnes) further extends range, increases fuel offload capacity, and enhances operational flexibility.

Retaining 95% airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT fleet, the A330 MRTT+ ensures a common training process and access to a robust global maintenance network. 

The A330 MRTT is cleared to refuel more than 25 aircraft types. Holding more than 90% of market share outside the US, the A330 MRTT has been ordered by Australia, Canada, France, NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. To date a total of 85 aircraft have been ordered by 11 customers.

In parallel with this new order, Airbus will further strengthen its collaboration with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). Both companies have signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to include in-country maintenance support for the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+. This expansion builds on the existing cooperation for the sustainment of C295 transport aircraft in Thailand.

The expanded MoU also marks an important step in Airbus’ long-term strategy to align with the Kingdom’s “Make in Thailand” policy. By expanding TAI’s scope of activities to include A330 MRTT+ maintenance and in-service support, Airbus will support the Royal Thai Armed Forces in increasing self-reliance for critical operational needs, while contributing to local capability building.

“Through our partnership with TAI, Airbus is committed to transferring skills, know-how, and technology to further develop aerospace capabilities in Thailand,” added Jean-Brice Dumont. “This expanded MoU with TAI ensures that the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+ will be maintained in-country, while also reinforcing our contribution to Thailand’s defence ecosystem and industrial growth.” (Airbus)

RTAF H225 helicopter (photo: Airbus)

Royal Thai Air Force adds two Airbus H225 helicopters

Marignane, France – Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for two H225 multi-role helicopters. These new aircraft will significantly enhance the RTAF’s capabilities in vital search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS) operations, reinforcing their commitment to national security and humanitarian support.

This latest acquisition expands the RTAF's existing fleet of H225Ms, which have been serving with distinction since their first delivery in 2015. These robust helicopters are currently deployed in a wide range of critical missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR), general search and rescue flights, and troop transport operations. The RTAF also operates a fleet of H135 military training helicopters, underscoring its long-standing partnership with Airbus. The completion work for these new H225s will be performed by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) through its established partnership with Airbus Helicopters, ensuring seamless integration and local expertise.

“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,” said RTAF’s Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul. “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.”

“We are deeply honoured by the continued trust the Royal Thai Air Force places in our H225 helicopters,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus 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.”

There are more than 360 H225s and H225Ms in service around the world, totaling close to  980,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore,Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq and Kuwait. (Airbus)

Kasau Tinjau Kesiapan Lanud Supadio dalam Mendukung Modernisasi Alpalhankam

27 September 2025

Di Lanud Supadio Pontianak merupakan pangkalan udara Wing Udara 7 TNI AU yang merupakan markas dari Skadron Udara 1 Pesawat Tempur (Hawk 109/209 yang akan digantikan Rafale) serta Skadron Udara 51 UAV (Aerostar, CH-4, ditambah Anka) (photo: TNI AU)

Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara (Kasau) Marsekal TNI M. Tonny Harjono, S.E., M.M., melaksanakan kunjungan kerja ke Lanud Supadio, Kubu Raya, Kalimantan Barat, Rabu (24/9/2025). Kunjungan ini difokuskan pada peninjauan kesiapan Lanud Supadio dalam mendukung program modernisasi alat peralatan pertahanan dan keamanan (alpalhankam) TNI Angkatan Udara.

Kasau termasuk mengunjungi markas Skadron Udara 51 di Lanud Supadio, Pontianak (photo: TNI AU)

Rangkaian kegiatan diawali dengan paparan Komandan Lanud Supadio, Marsma TNI Sidik Setiyono, S.E., M.Han., terkait peningkatan kesiapan satuan, baik dari sisi infrastruktur, pemeliharaan, maupun kompetensi personel.

Dalam arahannya, Kasau berharap Danlanud beserta seluruh jajaran menyiapkan seluruh aspek secara optimal, sehingga Lanud Supadio mampu memberikan kontribusi nyata bagi keberhasilan program modernisasi alpalhankam yang tengah dijalankan TNI Angkatan Udara.

UAV Anka dilaporkan sudah hadir di Lanud Supadio, Pontianak (photo: istimewa)

Modernisasi alpalhankam sendiri menjadi salah satu prioritas TNI Angkatan Udara untuk memperkuat pertahanan udara nasional, meningkatkan kemampuan operasi udara, sekaligus menambah daya gentar dalam menjaga kedaulatan wilayah udara Indonesia.

Turut mendampingi Kasau, Irjenau Marsdya TNI Dr. Arif Mustofa, M.M., CGRE., Pangkoopsudnas Marsdya TNI Minggit Tribowo, S.IP., Pangkorpasgat Marsdya TNI Deny Muis, S.E., M.M., para Asisten Kasau, Kapuslaiklambangjaau, Pangkoopsau, serta para Kepala Dinas di jajaran Mabesau.

(TNI AU)

The Tenth and Final Evolved Class Patrol Boat Launched

26 September 2025

ADV Cape Hawk 226 the tenth Evolved Cape Class patrol boat (photos: Austal )

Austal Australia is proud to announce the successful launch of Hull 820 – ADV Cape Hawke at our Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.

Cape Hawke is the 10th Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) constructed for the Royal Australian Navy, under the SEA1445 Phase 1 project with the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group at Defence Australia.

Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited, said “The successful launch of ADV Cape Hawke further reinforces Austal’s performance and reliability as Australia’s strategic shipbuilder in Western Australia. Constructing ten Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats in just over five years is a testament to the capability of our workforce and supply chain partners in delivering trusted naval capability for the Royal Australian Navy.”

This milestone further highlights Austal’s critical role in strengthening partnerships in the Henderson Defence Precinct and building Australia’s sovereign capability.

Our thanks to International Maritime Services (IMS), Jetwave Marine and the Austal Site Services team for another safe, successful launch!

(Austal)

Thailand Tests Explosives and Mine Threats for Chaiseri's Vehicle

26 September 2025

Explosives and mine threats testing on 4x4 vehicle (photos: DTI)

Defense and Security Standard Test Center (DeST), Defense Technology Institute (DTI) conducted tests and evaluated the protection levels of armored wheel vehicles against explosives and mine threats for Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co., Ltd. at the test range of the Royal Thai Artillery Center, Lopburi Province.

DTI, itself, developed an Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) Hybrid III, referenced from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards, to support the testing program which is included: 

1. Testing and evaluation of 4x4 armored wheel vehicles against explosive and mine threats in accordance with STANAG AEP-55 Vol. 2, Levels 2B and 3A (3 vehicles). 

2. Testing and evaluation of AWAV 8x8. armored wheel vehicles against explosive and mine threats in accordance with STANAG AEP-55 Vol. 2, Levels 2B and 3A (1 vehicle)

Explosives and mine threats testing testing on 8x8 vehicle (photos: DTI)

Testing to verify the ability of protection against explosives and mine threats of both 4x4 and AWAV 8x8 armored vehicles will support the production of armored wheel vehicle that fully designed, manufactured, and tested of comparable to international armored vehicle standards.

Being able to conduct such tests domestically reduces testing costs, strengthens national security, and significantly enhances the testing capabilities of the Defense and Security Standard Test Center (DeST) to international standards. Furthermore, the test results will be used and recognized at the internationally in the future.

(DTI Thailand)

Empat Penerbang Tempur TNI AU Sukses Terbang Solo Rafale di Prancis

26 September 2025

Empat penerbang dalam Pilot Training Batch 1 berhasil terbang solo dengan Rafale (photos: TNI AU)

Empat penerbang tempur TNI Angkatan Udara yang tergabung dalam Pilot Training Batch 1 berhasil terbang solo menggunakan pesawat tempur Rafale di Escadron de Transformation Rafale (ETR) 3/4 Aquitaine, Base Aérienne 113, Saint-Dizier, Prancis.

Keempat penerbang tersebut adalah Letkol Pnb Binggi Nobel, M.S.S., Mayor Pnb Eri Nasrul Mahlidar, Mayor Pnb Arie Prasetyo, dan Mayor Pnb Yusuf Atmaraga. Seluruhnya telah berhasil terbang solo secara bertahap hingga 19 September 2025.

Keberhasilan ini menjadi pencapaian penting dalam rangkaian Pilot Training Batch 1 sekaligus menandai kesiapan personel TNI AU dalam mengoperasikan Rafale sebelum pesawat tersebut resmi memperkuat pertahanan udara Indonesia.

Capaian tersebut juga didukung oleh upaya TNI AU menyiapkan infrastruktur di tanah air. Sejalan dengan program pelatihan di Prancis, pembangunan fasilitas Rafale di Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru, terus dimatangkan, mulai dari hanggar, area pemeliharaan, hingga training center, sehingga diharapkan dapat menunjang operasional Rafale ketika tiba di Indonesia.

Kehadiran pesawat tempur Rafale diharapkan tidak hanya meningkatkan kemampuan tempur, tetapi juga memperkuat sistem pertahanan udara nasional secara keseluruhan.

(TNI AU)

RNZAF NH90s Complete Longest Flights Over Water

25 September 2025

For the first time Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopters have flown between two countries, crossing a large swathe of ocean (photos: NZDF)

Two No. 3 Squadron NH90 helicopters recently flew from Cairns, in Australia, to Papua New Guinea. 

The aircrews flew 453 nautical miles across the Coral Sea Basin to PNG’s capital, Port Moresby, the furthest the New Zealand NH90s have ever flown over water. 

The trip took just under four hours.

The flight followed a successful deployment to Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia and the NH90s were than able to take part in PNG’s independence celebrations.

“It was an honour to be invited to take part in the PNG 50th Anniversary celebrations,” said Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott. 

“The timing of the event after Ex Talisman Sabre provided a fantastic opportunity for our Rotary Wing team to take part both in the celebrations and in supporting the transport of critical equipment out into the provinces.”

One of the pilots who flew the journey, Flight Lieutenant Hayley Vincent, said two 500kg external gas tanks were fitted, making for a “different silhouette”.

An extra internal gas tank was also fitted, but that fuel was not required. 

The unique flight was given an international Kiwi call-sign instead of the Warrior call-sign used for national flights.

Beforehand, a long-range flight from RNZAF Base Ohakea to Invercargill was carried out.

“A fuel graph was generated predicting the amount of fuel burned at various waypoints, taking into account aircraft weights and details, helping us keep an accurate track of fuel burn during the flight, with trends to help with decision making,” Flight Lieutenant Vincent said.

“It showed the expected departure fuel, the expected arrival fuel, and the minimum departure and arrival fuels, helping to calculate safe points for the aircraft to continue or turn around if necessary. Factors such as aircraft weight and extreme weather make a difference to safe decision points.” 

Those calculations were essential for the Australia-to-PNG flight, where storms often gather in the afternoons around Port Moresby. 

Flight Lieutenant Vincent said she felt “nervous excitement” at the start of the flight, but said there were detailed preparations. 

“When we got to Papua New Guinea, there were a lot of happy faces. People were very excited to be the first Kiwi NH90 aircrew to fly from one country to another.” 

“There was a celebration in the NH90 Helicopter  when the crew saw PNG for the first time,’’ she said. 

“We saw land sooner than we thought we would, but the mountains there are massive. 

“The success of the mission highlights the utility of the aircraft with long-range tanks which provided further deployment options for moving around the region when Navy ships or partner aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster are unavailable,” Flight Lieutenant Vincent said. 

The crews have since returned to Australia and will continue to be based out of RAAF Townsville. Plans for the return of the aircraft to New Zealand are being finalised.

(NZDF)

12 Personel TNI AU Selesaikan Pelatihan Pemeliharaan Pesawat Airbus A-400M di Spanyol

25 September 2025

Pelatihan Electrical dan Avionic pesawat A-400M bagi personil TNI AU (photos: TNI AU)

Sebanyak dua belas personel TNI Angkatan Udara berhasil menyelesaikan pelatihan Line & Basic Kategori B2 (Electrical & Avionik) pesawat angkut berat Airbus A-400M di Pusat Pelatihan Internasional (International Training Centre/ITC) milik Airbus Military and Defence, Sevilla, Spanyol.

Pelatihan yang berlangsung sejak 23 Juni hingga 15 September 2025 tersebut diikuti oleh lima personel Skadron Udara 31, tiga personel Skadron Teknik 021, serta masing-masing dua personel dari Satuan Pemeliharaan 23 dan Satuan Pemeliharaan 15.

Selama pelatihan, para peserta mengikuti dua tahap pembelajaran, yaitu teori dan praktik. Materi tersebut dirancang untuk meningkatkan kemampuan teknis personel dalam pemeliharaan Airbus A-400M.

Dengan terselesaikannya pelatihan ini, TNI AU terus menunjukkan komitmen dalam meningkatkan kompetensi awak pemeliharaan pesawat. Hal tersebut juga sejalan dengan prioritas TNI AU dalam peningkatan kualitas sumber daya manusia.

(TNI AU)