US hands over first RQ-21A to Thai navy
The Royal Thai Navy officially received its first RQ-21A Blackjack from the US on 24 May. (US Embassy in Thailand)
Thailand is awaiting five RQ-21A UAVs from the US, and the first has been formally handed over.
A ceremony on 24 May saw the US formally handing over the first RQ-21A Blackjack UAV to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
Presiding over the event was VAdm Karl Thomas, Commander of the USN’s 7th Fleet. The US Embassy in Bangkok released photos from the ceremony.
This was the first of five RQ-21As, each of which has a 16h endurance, for the RTN. Thailand also receives two ground control stations, plus launch and recovery equipment as part of the package.
Shephard reported earlier that this first aircraft actually arrived in Thailand last December. The Blackjacks will be flown by 104
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
