RTAF orders AT-6 Wolverine

During the Dubai Air Show 2021, the Kong Thap Akat Thai (RTAF, Royal Thai Air Force) has awarded a USD 143 million contract to Textron Aviation Defence LLc for eight Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine aircraft, ground support equipment, spare parts, training and other equipment. With this order, Thailand is the first international customer for the light attack aircraft.

In September 2020, Scramble Magazine reported on a contract for twelve Beechcraft T-6C Texan II advanced military training aircraft including ground-based training systems, a mission planning and debrief system, spare parts and ground support equipment. Then it was expected that an order for the AT-6TH was imminent. However, originally the RTAF wanted to order twelve Wolverines.

The AT-6TH will replace the Aero L-39ZA/ART aircraft now flying with 411 squadron Thunder at Chiang Mai. According to the Textron Aviation company statement, training of Thai maintenance professionals will begin in Thailand in 2023, with pilot training to begin in Wichita (KS) in 2024. The AT-6TH are to join the RTAF fleet in 2024.

Photo via airforce-technology.com