The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) was formally established in 1913, evolving from an aviation unit within the army into an independent branch of the armed forces. Headquartered at Don Muang Air Base in Bangkok, it has grown into a modern service with responsibilities that extend beyond national defense, including disaster relief, humanitarian operations, and regional security. The RTAF has historically operated a mix of Western and locally assembled aircraft, reflecting Thailand’s close defense ties with the United States and European manufacturers.
Today, the RTAF maintains a diverse fleet ranging from fighter jets like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen and F-16 Fighting Falcon to transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, as well as helicopters including the Airbus H225M, UH-60 Black Hawk, and Bell 412. In addition to its military role, the service frequently contributes to search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, and disaster response, underscoring its importance as both a defense and humanitarian force within Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region.
26-Sep-25 - The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is expanding its fleet with two additional Airbus H225 helicopters, joining the 12 aircraft that have been in service since 2015 #Thailand
17-Feb-22 - Thai Aviation Industries (TAS) will provide maintenance for Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) 12 Arrius 2B2Plus engines ( used by EC135T3 / H135 helicopters ) and 24 Makila 2A ( EC725 / H225M ) #engines
11-Feb-21 - Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia and Pacific and Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) agreement to support Royal Thai Armed Forces and Police helicopters #Thailand
20-Jun-17 - Safran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to support helicopter engines operated by Royal Thai Armed Forces and Police
04-Oct-16 - The Royal Thai Air Force ordered two more EC725/H225M for delivery in 2019 as Phase III. RTAF already operates 4 (Phase I) with another 2 (Phase II) ordered in 2014 scheduled for delivery this year
25-Aug-15 - Thailand taken delivery of first batch of four this month with another two due next year. Fleet will be used for transport, combat search and rescue (CSAR) and national SAR flights
22-Oct-14 - Royal Thai Navy signed for five EC645T2 with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016. Royal Thai Air Force reorder 2 EC725 booked in 2012 for Combat Search and Rescue and delivers in 2015
08-Oct-14 - Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Corporation, a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce that Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (“HS-NA”) has signed an agreement with the Royal Thailand Air Force (“RTAF”) to provide PT6T engine accessories including fuel control units and governors and combining gearboxes for the RTAF’s fleet of Bell 412 aircraft.
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