# Royal Thai Army aviation modernization

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/royal-thai-army-aviation-modernization
> Updated: 2026-10-02T04:08:43.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Royal Thai Army has expanded its rotary-winged aviation fleet through the acquisition of new aircraft. On September 18, 2026, the army formally accepted four Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, which were inducted into service by the 9th Aviation Battalion of the Army Aviation Center. This brings the total Black Hawk fleet for the Royal Thai Army to 22 aircraft.

In addition to the Black Hawks, Thailand has begun receiving its first Boeing AH-6i Little Bird helicopters. An initial batch of at least four units was observed being unloaded at the Kerry Siam Seaport in Chonburi Province on September 27, 2026. These Little Bird aircraft are intended to replace the remaining Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters and are capable of firing Hellfire missiles.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Royal Thai Army receives new Black Hawk and Little Bird helicopters

The Royal Thai Army has accepted four new Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and is receiving its first Boeing AH-6i Little Bird aircraft to modernize its aviation fleet.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/royal-thai-army-receives-new-black-hawk-and-little-bird-helicopters

### 2026-09-18: Sikorsky receives $234 million U.S. Army contract for Black Hawk helicopters

The U.S. Army awarded Sikorsky a $234.46 million contract modification to produce 16 new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, bringing the total contract value to over $356 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sikorsky-receives-234-million-us-army-contract-for-black-hawk-helicopters

---
Cite as: Royal Thai Army aviation modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/royal-thai-army-aviation-modernization