Thailand proceeds with upgrade of first 2 Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft

Two Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft of the RTN are scheduled for upgrade by RUAG MRO International. Photo c/o RUAG MRO International.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has started the process of upgrading two of its seven Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft.

Both aircraft have reached a service age of 25 years, with the upgrade works expected to allow another 15-20 years of operational service.

Switzerland-based company RUAG MRO International announced on 05 February 2021 that they were contracted to do the upgrade works on 2 Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft.

A 5-man team from RUAG MRO supervised in the dismantling of the aircraft, which were then transported from Thailand to RUAG MRO’s facility in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany using a chartered Antonov An-124 transport aircraft.

Upgrade works will bring the aircraft to the current Dornier 228 NG standard, which includes the installation of new glass cockpits and modern avionics systems, improvement of the aircraft’s interior, cockpit and cabins.

The program will also see the improvement of its mission modules, including the installation of new 360-degree surface search radar, infrared cameras, and mission management and data link system.

Crew training will also be conducted for the new equipment and capabilities, with RTN personnel scheduled to undergo training in Germany and Thailand.

The RTN has been using the Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft for EEZ patrols, maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

[1] RUAG MRO International

[2] Shephard Media

[3] Jane’s