Page 7 - Defense & Security 2023 - Day 1

RTAF to Receive 1 Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine in 2024
st

Textron Aviation Defence will deliver the to celebrate receipt of all twelve of its systems for pilots and maintenance pro-
first Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine light Beechcraft T-6TH Texan II trainer aircraft fessionals, a mission planning and debrief
attack aircraft to the Royal Thai Air Force at RTAF Flying Training School Kamphaeng system, spare parts and ground support
(RTAF) in 2024. The RTAF ordered eight Saen. The RTAF’s US$162 million contract equipment.
Beechcraft AT-6THs in July 2022 under for 12 T-6TH Texan IIs placed in October
a US$143 million contract, becoming the 2020, includes a ground-based training The Beechcraft AT-6TH is the second
first international customer for the type. RTAF procurement contracted in sup-
Following its use of two U.S. Air Force port of S-Curve 11. The first procurement
AT-6E Wolverines during a six-month global under the new strategy was the Beechcraft
Building Partner Capacity (BPC) exercise at T-6TH Texan II, awarded in 2020. “Textron
Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, Aviation Defence sees strong and growing
the RTAF competitively selected the AT-6 global demand for both the T-6 and AT-6 as
Wolverine to support their 41st Wing light air forces continue to modernize their fleets
attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. with advanced, cost-effective military train-
The new AT-6THs will replace the RTAF’s ing and light attack aircraft,” a company
spokesperson told Daily News.
existing fleet of aging Aero L-39 Albatros
aircraft.
Textron Aviation Defence and Special
Missions have a broad base of customers
The RTAF’s first AT-6TH will serve as throughout Asia with aircraft covering the
an Engineering, Manufacturing and gamut of missions from training, national
Development testbed for integration of defence, maritime patrol, humanitarian
the RTAF’s datalink and other sovereign assistance, aeromedical airlift, weather
programmes as part of Thailand’s pur- modification, VIP transport, light utility lift,
chase and develop initiative.On August air traffic control calibration and others.
22, 2023, and within 10 months of delivery This broad portfolio makes Textron Aviation
of the first two Beechcraft T-6TH Texan II Defence and Special Missions a reliable
aircraft to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), mission partner for national and corporate
the RTAF held a commissioning ceremony needs throughout the Asia Pacific region.

things we can achieve together now, and
in the future, under the State Partnership
Programme,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen.
Gent Welsh, Washington Air National Guard
Commander. “My hope is that we continue
to develop generations of Airmen in both
Washington state and Thailand through
exercises and engagements like this and
that we work, and grow old together, work-
ing on areas of interest between our two
nations for many years to come.”

Enduring Partners participants gained valu-
able training through combined dissimilar
RTAF Trains with U.S. Air air combat training, air-to-air refueling and
ground-controlled interception. The event
aimed to improve combat readiness and
National Guard combined and joint interoperability between
the Royal Thai Air Force, Washington Air
National Guard, and the Oregon Air National
Guard, while enhancing strong defence rela-
The Royal Thai Air Force recently com- Washington. They deployed with approxi- tions and the State Partnership Programme
pleted its first ever Enduring Partners mately eight F-15 Eagles and two KC-135 between the two countries.
Engagement with the U.S. Air National Stratotankers.
Guard. The National Guard-sponsored
State Partnership Programme engagement Since signing their formal partnership
included nearly 230 U.S. Airmen from the “The United States and the Air National through the State Partnership Programme
142nd Fighter Wing, Portland Air National Guard are extremely grateful for the in 2002, the Washington National Guard
Guard Base, Oregon, and the 141st Air efforts of the Royal Thai Air Force and and the Royal Thai Armed Forces have met
Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, our mutual commitment to the types of regularly.

DEFENSE & SECURITY 2023 NOVEMBER-06-2023 7