RUAG MRO International is modernising Dornier 228 aircraft for the Royal Thai Navy. The upgrade includes the installation of glass cockpits and new mission equipment as well as the modernisation of avionics systems. The Thai Navy uses its Dornier 228 to monitor its 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The aircraft and their crews conduct ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions in the territorial waters of the Gulf of Thailand for the purpose of border surveillance to combat illegal trade and fishing.
Initially, RUAG will now be modernising two of the seven aircraft in the Royal Thai Navy Dornier 228 fleet. This also includes transporting the aircraft to and from Thailand and providing training in the use of the new equipment. For the upgrade, the aircraft were disassembled on site in Thailand. Subsequently, an Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft flew the Dornier 228 to Oberpfaffenhofen, where the experts from RUAG MRO International carry out a comprehensive inspection. In the process, they remove the paint completely and eliminate any corrosion damage to the aircraft structure, which is now 25 years old.
The aircraft will be equipped with glass cockpits and modern avionics systems (COM, NAV). The interior, cockpit and aircraft cabin will also be revamped. It will receive modern mission equipment that will enable tasks to be performed more effectively and efficiently. These include a 360° search radar, infrared cameras as well as a mission management and data link for data transmission to ground stations and/or ships.
Due to the aircraft modernisation, pilots, crew members and technicians will need to be trained in the use of the new equipment. RUAG MRO International will organise training for crew members and technicians, partly in Germany and partly on site in Thailand. In addition, RUAG’s factory pilot team will be responsible for ferrying the modernised aircraft to Thailand.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Director of Sales Graham Joss at graham.joss@venturamedia.net
![Naval Barak MX New image for the article[1].jpg](https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Naval-Barak-MX-New-image-for-the-article1.jpg-218x150.jpeg "SPONSORED CONTENT: Facing the Evolving Needs of Maritime Security")
![Naval Barak MX New image for the article[1].jpg](https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Naval-Barak-MX-New-image-for-the-article1.jpg-100x70.jpeg "SPONSORED CONTENT: Facing the Evolving Needs of Maritime Security")
