Thailand decommissions Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft
The Pilatus was succeeded by 12 Textron Aviation T-6C Texan II turboprop training aircraft. (Photo: Wikimedia)
All 22 Thai Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft have been retired with the T-6C Texan II fulfilling all training roles for the country’s air force.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has retired the Pilatus PC-9 single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft during a decommissioning ceremony at the service’s training school at Kamphaeng Saen airbase.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the RTAF had operated a fleet of 22 PC-9 trainers, with the aircraft phasing out beginning back in 2021.
The Pilatus was succeeded by 12 Textron Aviation T-6C Texan II turboprop training aircraft. The RTAF signed a US$162 million contract with Textron in September 2020 to purchase the two dozen T-6Cs.
The first two T-6C Texan II aircraft were delivered in November 2022,with the last unit delivered in August 2023. All 12 trainers entered service at the end of summer last year, when about 12 PC-9s were still in service.
Designed for all instruction levels, the T-6C is an improved version of theT-6B with underwing hardpoints targeted for export customers. The aircraft covers a range of training programmes, from initial pilot screening to advanced operational training. T-6 variants include T-6A, -B, -C, C+ and D.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
-
![Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned]()
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
