Thread: Thai Air Force Eyes Buying New Airbus

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is in talks with the United States to purchase a new airbus to replace the old one, according to the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Alongkorn Vannarot.


He said the new airbus procurement will take place in the 2024 fiscal year to replace the Airbus 340, which has been in service for 18 years. The airbus has previously been used for humanitarian missions in Turkey and will be retired in 2026.


“The replacement requires a substantial budget,” the commander-in-chief admitted,” However, it is necessary.”

He also disclosed that the RTAF is planning to upgrade the capabilities of the Saab 340 aircraft, which has been used for air defense missions for a long time, such as during the previous APEC meeting. He said the aircraft has nearly reached the end of its service life and must be upgraded by replacing its radar system.


Furthermore, there is another project to procure an F-35 aircraft that currently awaits a response from the United States, according to the commander-in-chief. The response will come in around this month, he said.

The transitional period between the old government and the new government after the general election will not affect the purchasing processes, he added.

Thai Air Force Eyes Buying New Airbus - The Pattaya News

Isn't Airbus French owned?

^ I haven't seen a confirmed report the RTAF are buying another Airbus, only a new large transport to replace their A340-500.

Has the new aircraft been published yet?

Originally Posted by Topper

Isn't Airbus French owned?

Headquarters	Leiden, Netherlands (Headquarters) Toulouse, France (Main Office) Madrid, Spain (International Office) Hamburg, Germany (Operations Office)

Owner	SOGEPA (French Government): 11.0% GZBV [de] (German Government): 10.9% SEPI (Spanish Government): 4.1%[1]