Thai Dornier 228s undergo upgrade
Royal Thai Navy maritime patrol and ISR aircraft are being overhauled with new mission systems and avionics.
RUAG MRO International is modernising Dornier 228 aircraft operated by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for EEZ patrols, maritime ISR and SAR operations.
The upgrade includes the installation of glass cockpits, a remodelled interior and new mission equipment as well as upgraded avionics, RUAG MRO noted in a 5 February statement.
New equipment includes installation of a 360° search radar and IR cameras as well as a mission management and data link system.
RUAG MRO is initially working on two of the seven RTN Dornier 228s. The first aircraft has already been disassembled in situ before being transported to Germany by An-124 for the overhaul.
The company will also provide training in Germany and Thailand for RTN personnel.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Dornier 228 can be used for special mission operations taking place between low altitudes and 10,000ft, with a 223kt cruising speed and up to 10h mission endurance.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026]()
US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026
The US Air Force (USAF) and Boeing have agreed to adjust parts of the T-&A Red Hawk acquisition, with four more test T-7As being acquired to help improve manufacturing readiness and boost testing capacity.
-
![US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft]()
US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft
The contract for these additional missiles to equip its F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fighter jets follows its earlier request for 50 missiles in March 2024.
-
![Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries]()
Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries
The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
-
![Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France]()
Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
-
![Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays]()
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
