Royal Thai Air Force commissions Dominator XP Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) announced the commissioning of the Dominator XP Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) at a ceremony held at Takhli Air Base on September 01, 2023. The event presided over by ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, showcased aircraft tail number 506 as the centerpiece.

 Dominator XP is a modified version of the Diamond DA42 Twin Star, transformed by Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems. (Picture source: RTAF )

The Dominator XP is a heavily modified version of the Diamond DA42 Twin Star, transformed by Israel's Aeronautics Defense Systems into a Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) UAS. The aircraft is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and features a multi-purpose payload that includes Engagement Operations (EO), Search and Rescue (SAR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and Communications Intelligence (COMINT).

Based on the MPP DA42 configuration, this certifiable platform can be equipped with the most advanced systems, such as high-performance EO day/night payloads, SAR and optical radars, mobile location systems, satellite communication, and more, to ensure mission success. As a two-engine unmanned system, the Dominator XP is the most reliable solution for SAR missions, safely covering long ranges, and operable in harsh weather conditions, over sea and land.

The Dominator XP is capable of all-weather and denied-GPS operations, which is essential for SAR missions. Based on the vast ISRAT mission experience and proven record of Aeronautics’ Orbiter family, the Dominator makes a significant contribution to life-saving missions.

In 2018, Thailand entered into a contract with Aeronautics Ltd. of Israel for the purchase of three DA42 Dominators. The contract, valued at USD 27 million, also includes spare parts, equipment, logistics support, and training courses. The Dominators will be operated by the newly established 302sq, which is subordinate to the 3rd Wing. The RTAF's budget commitment for this acquisition spanned from 2018 to 2021.

The RTAF has inducted three Dominator XPs, marking Thailand's first entry into the use of MALE UAVs. These aircraft are intended for both military and civilian missions and were commissioned on September 1.