The US Department of Defense has awarded Boeing a $103.7 million contract to supply eight AH-6 light attack reconnaissance helicopters to the Royal Thai Army.

The contract is part of a foreign military sale and also includes spares, training devices, support equipment, and technical publications for Thailand.

As part of Thailand’s defense modernization efforts, the new AH-6 helicopters will replace the Royal Thai Army’s current fleet of aging AH-1F Cobras.

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.

The aircraft will be produced in Boeing’s manufacturing plant in Mesa, Arizona, and deliveries are expected by 2024. 

Thailand is Boeing’s second international customer for the AH-6, and has been the aircraft manufacturer’s defense customer for more than 60 years.

“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 in a statement.

“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."

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