Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today presided over a ceremony commissioning two newly purchased transport planes into active service of the Royal Thai Air Force at the Sixth Wing base in Don Mueang.

The Russian aircraft were purchased at US$ 34 million each.

Thailand ordered the purchase of two aircraft from Russia.

The aircraft will be used for defense and transportation purposes, including transporting important figures, and supporting government activities such as on humanitarian purposes, he said.

Gen Prayut said the aircraft could fly in a distance of 2,000 miles without refueling.

The prime minister made clear the aircraft is not a war plane but is ready to give support on combat and on relief operations.

It is one of the best 300 planes in the world procured by the Government and has high efficiency but at reasonable price.

He assured of transparency in the purchase and the aircraft is money worthy.

New Russian aircraft put into active service today - Thai PBS English News