Article Posted on : - Aug 02, 2011

'Bell 212’ helicopters. A file photo.

BANGKOK (BNS): Thai Army plans to buy 30 multipurpose helicopters to replace the existing ageing helicopter fleet, a media report said.

Thai Royal Army will set a request of purchase with the next government fin the upcoming budget session of 2012 fiscal year.

Army intends to procure 36 new ‘Bell 212’ helicopters to replace its old Huey helicopters.

The Army will add the helicopters to strengthen its air fleet.

Recently, Thai military helicopters have faced three disasters in which almost 17 civilian and 16 military persons were killed.