The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is preparing to procure the Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) as part of its plans to replace the Airbus A340-500 transport aircraft. The procurement will be carried out under the VIP transport...
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The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is preparing to procure the Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) as part of its plans to replace the Airbus A340-500 transport aircraft. The procurement will be carried out under the VIP transport aircraft replacement programme for the 2025–2028 fiscal years, as outlined in the RTAF White Paper 2024. The aircraft will be the RTAF’s first aerial refuelling platform and will also serve transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the end of 2025, with delivery anticipated between 2028 and 2029. The aircraft is likely to be assigned to Squadron 602, Wing 6, replacing the A340-500.
The RTAF’s plans were highlighted during the 88th Anniversary of the Royal Thai Air Force International Air Show, held on 7–8 March 2025 at Wing 6, Don Muang, Bangkok. At the event, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) showcased its Airbus A330-200 MRTT from 112 Squadron, allowing public viewing from a distance and inviting the RTAF Commander-in-Chief, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Phatthanakul, and the media for a closer inspection.
The RTAF Commander-in-Chief recently stated during an academic seminar marking the air force’s anniversary that the service plans to procure aerial refuelling aircraft to extend operational range and endurance. However, the procurement white paper does not explicitly mention tankers, with the closest reference being the A340 replacement budget. Illustrations used in the Commander-in-Chief’s presentation depicted a VIP transport aircraft with aerial refuelling capability, aligning with the Tanker-capable Transport concept.
The Thai Government published details of the 2025 fiscal year plan in February 2025, stating that the budget amounts to 12.14 billion baht ($359.3 million). The funding covers the aircraft, equipment, spare parts, training support systems, and other necessary facilities. This follows a previous failed attempt to acquire a passenger aircraft when the proposed budget was 8.7 billion baht. The revised 12 billion baht budget was approved by parliament last year for inclusion in the 2025 fiscal plan.
The RTAF has previously opposed the acquisition of additional VIP aircraft, particularly large ones like the A340, citing concerns over excessive expenditure. Thailand already operates the largest VIP aircraft fleet in the region, valued at tens of billions of baht. The RTAF argues that purchasing another wide-body VIP aircraft would not be cost-effective, as overseas travel can be managed using commercial airline charters. If a new VIP aircraft must be acquired, the RTAF favours a multi-role platform such as the A330 MRTT, which combines transport and aerial refuelling functions. This approach has been adopted by countries such as the United Kingdom, which uses similar aircraft for governmental and royal transport to reduce costs. In ASEAN, Singapore and Indonesia have already introduced or are in the process of acquiring this type of aircraft.
The Airbus A330 MRTT features both boom and probe-and-drogue refuelling systems, making it compatible with the RTAF’s Lockheed Martin F-16 and Saab Gripen fighters. Globally, the A330 MRTT has been exported to 15 countries, with over 82 aircraft in operation. Some countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, also use it for VIP transport.
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