Boeing has been awarded a US$103.7 million (A$143.5) contract by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a foreign military sale for eight AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopters to Thailand. The contract also includes spares, training devices, support equipment, and technical publications for the Royal Thai Army.
The deal paves the way for the Royal Thai Army to replace its fleet of aging AH-1F Cobras as part of the country’s defence modernisation efforts. The aircraft will be produced in Mesa, Arizona, with deliveries planned through 2024.
“We welcome Thailand's selection of Boeing's AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopter and look forward to working with the U.S. and Thai governments as part of the foreign military sale process,” Jessie Farrington, business development director of Attack Helicopter Programs, said. “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."
Thailand is Boeing’s second international customer for the aircraft. Boeing has been a partner to Thailand’s aviation and defence customers for more than 60 years.
A beneficiary of ongoing AH-64 Apache modernisation efforts, the AH-6 features an advanced mission computer capable of processing large amounts of data and sharing system information with the rest of the aircraft quickly — enhancing safety and situational awareness, enabling faster decision making, reducing pilot workload and decreasing support costs throughout the aircraft’s life cycle.