Dominator XP UAVs are commissioned into Thai air force
Thailand introduced three Dominator XP MALE UAVs into service on 1 September. (Photo: RTAF)
Thailand has adopted its first ever UAVs in the medium-altitude long-endurance class.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) inducted three Dominator XPs, Thailand’s first MALE UAV, for military and civilian missions on 1 September.
ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, presided over the ceremony for the Dominator XP at Squadron 302, Wing 3, which is based in Nakhon Sawan Province.
The RTAF purchased the trio of Dominator XPs, along with spare parts, equipment, logistics support and training courses, from Israel’s Aeronautics Defense Systems. This was done with a budget commitment of $27 million between 2018 and 2021.
The Dominator XP is a pilotless DA42 platform, with the RTAF already operating the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?]()
What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?
Changing roles for combat aircraft fleets, the rise of simulation and LVC technologies, and the increasing cost of flight hours could all be leading to a paradigm shift in military pilot training.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
