Paris: In a noteworthy development unveiled at the Paris Air Show, Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. (TAI) to jointly manage a sustainment program for the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) Beechcraft T-6TH trainer and AT-6TH light attack aircraft fleets. This partnership marks a key milestone in strengthening Thailand’s aerospace maintenance capabilities and ensuring operational readiness for critical training and light attack missions.
The agreement establishes Thai Aviation Industries as the prime contractor responsible for sustainment services, leveraging its extensive experience supporting the RTAF’s diverse aircraft fleet. Textron Aviation Defense, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, will provide original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise, ensuring that maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Tom Webster, Vice President of Defense Sales at Textron Aviation Defense, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, “The Beechcraft T-6TH and AT-6TH aircraft strengthen the mutual defense cooperation and relationship between the U.S. and Thailand. This agreement with Thai Aviation Industries ensures the highest level of sustainment support for the RTAF and is an important element of our commitment to the growth of Thailand’s aerospace industry.”
This partnership is designed to deliver long-term sustainment solutions that optimize aircraft availability, reduce downtime, and enhance mission readiness, thereby supporting the RTAF’s evolving operational requirements.
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II family is globally recognized as the leading military flight training aircraft, with more than 1,000 units in service across 14 nations and NATO flight schools. Praised for its low acquisition and sustainment costs, the T-6 Texan II enables air forces to accelerate pilot training efficiently. Its design features 85% parts commonality with the AT-6 Wolverine, simplifying logistics and maintenance.
The T-6 Texan II has been a cornerstone of pilot training programs worldwide, including the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied air forces such as the Royal Thai Air Force, Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force, and others. The aircraft has logged over 5 million flight hours, underscoring its reliability and operational excellence.
The AT-6 Wolverine is purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency, and countering violent extremist organizations (C-VEO) missions. It combines next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with precision strike and loitering close air support functions. The aircraft’s robust networked battlespace communications enable real-time sensor-to-shooter connectivity, vital for modern combat environments.
The Royal Thai Air Force selected the AT-6TH Wolverine in 2021 to support its 41st Wing light attack operations based at Chiang Mai Air Base, reflecting its commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced and versatile air combat capability.
Founded under the policy of the Government of Thailand and the Royal Thai Air Force, Thai Aviation Industries has over two decades of experience in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. As an approved Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider, TAI supports a wide variety of military and commercial aircraft, including F-16s, C-130s, Alpha Jets, and helicopters such as the Bell 412 and Airbus H145.
TAI’s strategic role in the sustainment program enhances Thailand’s goal of becoming a regional aviation maintenance hub, providing world-class services that meet international standards.
Textron Aviation Defense, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., has been a trusted supplier of military flight training and light attack aircraft for decades. With a proven track record of delivering cost-effective, reliable, and mission-ready platforms, the company supports global defense customers with integrated training systems and sustainment solutions.
The company’s portfolio includes the renowned Beechcraft T-6 Texan II and the AT-6 Wolverine, both of which have become integral to pilot training and light attack missions worldwide.
This sustainment agreement between Textron Aviation Defense and Thai Aviation Industries not only reinforces the operational readiness of the Royal Thai Air Force but also represents a deepening of U.S.-Thailand defense cooperation. By combining Textron’s OEM expertise with TAI’s local maintenance capabilities, the partnership ensures that the RTAF’s T-6TH and AT-6TH fleets remain mission capable and technologically current.
The collaboration also supports Thailand’s broader aerospace industry ambitions, fostering skills development, technology transfer, and sustainable growth in the region’s defense sector.
