Thailand steps up modernisation efforts with AT-6 Wolverine order
The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered a fleet of Beechcraft AT-6s. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Royal Thai Air Force has requested eight Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft as part of its plans to modernise its inventory.
Textron Aviation Defence on 13 November announced a $142 million contract award from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for eight Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine light attack aircraft, as the Asian country works to fill capability gaps in its military aircraft fleet.
The new aircraft — designated Beechcraft AT-6TH in Thailand — will partially replace the country’s ageing fleet of 33 Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft which entered service in 1992.
Air Mshl Pongsawat Jantasarn, chairman of the RTAF procurement committee, said: ‘The contract for the AT-6 — designated the Beechcraft AT-6TH in Thailand — supports the modernisation and interoperability objectives at the forefront of the mutual defence cooperation between the US and Thailand.’
He added: ’The contract also contributes to the growth of Thailand’s aerospace industry detailed in the 10-year Royal Thai Air Force Purchase and Development (P&D) Plan… and empowers RTAF light attack aircrew with a vital technological advantage.’
The AT-6 is a light attack armed reconnaissance aircraft, featuring a 10.4m wingspan and a PT6A-68D turboprop diesel engine by Pratt and Whitney.
The new deal builds upon a previous order placed by the Royal Thai Air Force in September 2020 for twelve Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers.
Textron Aviation Defense stated that training of RTAF maintenance professionals is set to begin in Thailand in 2023, while pilot training is set to begin in Wichita in 2024. The Beechcraft AT-6TH will join the Royal Thai fleet in 2024.
Despite reports in early 2020 that Tunisia intended to procure four AT-6 Wolverine, the sale was never confirmed.
For this reason, the new agreement will make Thailand the first international customer for this light attack aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
-
![Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets]()
Latin American air forces look beyond fighters to revamp transport aircraft fleets
The Mexican Air Force has become the first Latin American operator of the C-130J Super Hercules, but the service is not alone in acquiring a tactical airlifter in recent months.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub
The company disclosed several defence contracts and upgrades for its defence aircraft at the show, including additional Super Tucano orders and a new C-390 Millennium customer, Uzbekistan.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt
With a growing customer list and portfolio expansion in the region, the company has said that it has a strong ongoing commitment to Asia-Pacific.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s EagleStrike aims for 2027 early-stage production]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s EagleStrike aims for 2027 early-stage production
The new loitering munition from ST Engineering, unveiled at the Singapore Airshow for the first time, is intended for use against high-value targets such as lightly armoured vehicles.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation
Singapore is understood to have received three of four ex-Spanish C-130Hs from Blue Aerospace in recent weeks.
