The company Airbus Helicopters announced on September 26, 2025, the signing of a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for the acquisition of two additional H225M helicopters. These aircraft will be mainly intended for search and rescue (SAR) operations and emergency medical services (EMS), strengthening the force’s response capability both in the field of national security and in assistance and humanitarian aid missions.
The RTAF incorporated its first H225Ms in 2015, beginning a process to replace the veteran Bell UH-1s. Subsequently, in 2016 two additional units were ordered, and in 2018 a contract was signed for four more helicopters, bringing the total to 12 aircraft ordered by 2021. Now, with the new purchase of 2025, the RTAF fleet rises to 14 H225M helicopters, consolidating this model as the central axis of its tactical transport, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue (CSAR) capabilities.
The H225M Caracals are twin-engine helicopters weighing 11 tons, capable of carrying up to 28 equipped troops — more than double that of the UH-1s they replace. Their versatility allows them to operate across a wide range of missions such as troop and cargo transport; CSAR and SAR operations; medical evacuation (MEDEVAC); and humanitarian support in natural disasters.
Airbus and the RTAF thus consolidate a partnership of more than ten years, which also includes the operation of H135 training helicopters. It should be added that the current contract provides that the completion of the integration work will be carried out by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), Airbus’s local partner, which ensures technology transfer and logistical support within Thai territory. According to Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, “the H225M has proven to be an indispensable asset for our operations over the past decade, offering exceptional performance and reliability in diverse and challenging missions.”
Finally, the Royal Thai Air Force joins other regional operators such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, which also employ the H225M helicopter in similar mission roles, reinforcing interoperability among operators in Southeast Asia.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes
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