On Friday, September 26, 2025, the European company Airbus Helicopters (part of Airbus Defence and Space) announced the signing of a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (Kong Thab Akat Thai, RTAF) for the delivery of two additional H225M Caracal medium multirole helicopters, which will join the 12 already in service and designated as H.11. They will support search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation (EMS) missions, strengthening the force’s commitment to national security and humanitarian assistance.
Photo: Airbus Helicopters
In 2014, six H225M Caracal helicopters were ordered, the first four of which were delivered in 2015 and intended mainly for search and rescue missions, troop transport, and special operations. The remaining two were delivered in 2016. However, later that same year, an order was placed for two additional helicopters, with delivery planned for 2019. In the meantime, in 2018, another order was placed for four H225Ms, which were delivered in 2021 and designated for CSAR, SAR, and transport missions.
The RTAF also operates a fleet of H135 training helicopters, underscoring its long-standing cooperation with Airbus Helicopters. Work on the new H225Ms will be carried out by Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) under the established partnership with Airbus Helicopters, ensuring smooth integration and local expertise.
“The H225M has proven to be an indispensable asset to our operations over the past decade, delivering exceptional performance and reliability across diverse and challenging missions,” said RTAF’s Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul. “The addition of these two new helicopters, specifically designated for SAR and EMS, will further strengthen our ability to protect and serve the people of Thailand, ensuring we can respond effectively to emergencies wherever they may arise.”
“We are deeply honoured by the continued trust the Royal Thai Air Force places in our H225 helicopters,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “This follow-on order is a testament to the H225’s versatility, advanced capabilities, and its critical role in supporting national defence and public service missions. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the RTAF, ensuring they have the best tools for their vital work.”
Apart from Thailand, recent orders for new H225M Caracals have also been placed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 12 brand-new units (instead of the previously planned 14), as well as Iraq (also 12). In addition, Caracal helicopters have been exported to Brazil, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, and Hungary. Poland and the United Arab Emirates withdrew from the purchase. Kazakhstan and India had also planned acquisitions, but no contracts were signed.
Meanwhile, this January, France began receiving new helicopters (two of the eight ordered). More than 360 helicopters of the H225 Super Puma and H225M Caracal family are currently in service, with a total flight time exceeding 980,000 hours. Recently, reports have surfaced of Morocco showing interest in the H225M.
At the same time, yesterday, September 25, the RTAF command signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus Defence and Space on the potential acquisition of a single next-generation A330 MRTT+ (Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus) transport and tanker aircraft.
Thailand is acquiring two Airbus H225 multi-role helicopters 🚁! These future additions will be deployed during search and rescue (SAR) 🆘 and emergency medical services (EMS) ⛑️operations, enhancing the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) capabilities in those areas while also… https://t.co/jWfWn3I81f
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) September 26, 2025