The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered two additional EC725 Caracal helicopters from Airbus Helicopters as part of its fleet strengthening program agreement launched in 2012, the company said Oct. 4.
The EC725, currently marketed as the H225M, is a twin-engine multirole utility helicopter in the Super Puma/Cougar rotorcraft family. The RTAF models are equipped with fast roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR), search and rescue flights, troop transport operations, and other missions.
The new helicopters will join the RTAF’s existing fleet of four EC725s, Phase I of the fleet strengthening program agreement, for similar missions. Airbus highlighted that two EC725s booked in 2014 will be delivered by the end of 2016 for Phase II and that when signing the latest contract Thailand may also consider a further expansion of its EX725 fleet.
“This latest contract marks the great confidence the RTAF has placed in the EC725 and its proven capabilities to fulfill its most challenging missions. We are honored to be a partner of the RTAF’s fleet modernization and strengthening efforts and we remain committed to ensure full support and comprehensive services to the RTAF,” Philippe Monteux, head of the Southeast Asia and Pacific region for Airbus Helicopters, said in a statement.
These newly ordered EC725s are scheduled to be delivered in 2019.