The US Department of Defence has awarded a $103.7m contract to Boeing to supply AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopters to the Royal Thai Army.
The acquisition will be carried out under the US foreign military sale route.
The scope of the deal covers eight aircraft, spares, training devices, support equipment, and technical publications.
The new helicopters will replace the Royal Thai Army’s fleet of ageing AH-1F Cobras, under Thailand’s defence modernisation efforts.
Boeing Attack Helicopter Programmes business development director Jessie Farrington said: “We welcome Thailand’s selection of Boeing’s AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopter, and look forward to working with the US and Thai governments as part of the foreign military sale process.
“From its unmatched power-to-weight ratio to its extensive, integrated digital communications suite, the AH-6 offers superior performance, capability, and versatility, and will be a force-multiplier for the Royal Thai Army.”
Production will take place in Mesa, Arizona, and the aircraft will be delivered in 2024.
The procurement of the helicopter will make the Royal Thai Army the second international customer of the AH-6.
The AH-6 is equipped with an advanced mission computer that can process heavy data, as well as quickly share system information with the other platforms.
This allows for faster decision-making and improved security and situational awareness.
It also aids in minimising pilot workload and support expenses throughout the lifespan of the helicopter.
Earlier this month, Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky and Boeing chose Honeywell as the engine provider for the Defiant X helicopter.
