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
-
![Shield AI unveils V-Bat block upgrade]()
Shield AI unveils V-Bat block upgrade
The heavy-fuel engine V-Bat was officially showcased at Sea Air Space, after it was first teased in February 2025.
-
![Czech Republic confirms new Sweden offer on Gripen aircraft lease]()
Czech Republic confirms new Sweden offer on Gripen aircraft lease
The current lease period for the 14 Gripen C/D aircraft flown by the Czech Air Force will come to an end in 2027. This new offer proposes that 12 Gripen aircraft will be leased after 2027.
-
![US Air Force to test Northrop Grumman’s next-gen connectivity capabilities in the CJADC2]()
US Air Force to test Northrop Grumman’s next-gen connectivity capabilities in the CJADC2
NG InSight will be evaluated in support of the USAF Battle Network.
-
![USAF’s VENOM programme advances with modifications and autonomous testing]()
USAF’s VENOM programme advances with modifications and autonomous testing
The first fully modified aircraft is expected to begin testing by the end of 2025, according to the US Air Force.
