US Delivers ‘Little Bird’ Military Helicopters to Thailand

AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopter. Photo: Boeing

The Royal Thai Army has taken delivery of eight Boeing AH-6i Little Bird light attack and reconnaissance helicopters at Kerry Siam Seaport.

The handover, reported by Vietnam’s state news agency, is part of a $400-million foreign military sales package approved by the US State Department in 2019.

Alongside the platforms, the agreement covers spare parts, training, and precision materiel, including AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guided rockets.

It also includes M134 Mini Guns, weapon launchers, associated crew equipment, technical assistance, and ground support tools.

Once commissioned, the AH-6is will replace the military’s aging fleet of seven Bell AH-1F Cobra helicopters, of which only three remain operational, to assist special operations units, armored infantry, and border defense forces.

The Royal Thai Army became the second international customer to operate the AH-6i alongside the Saudi Arabian National Guard after the Kerry Siam acceptance.

In total, the South Asian military seeks a total of 31 armed reconnaissance helicopters to fulfill its requirements, though future acquisitions remain tied to budget approvals.

The delivery comes as Boeing prepares to close its AH-6i production line in Mesa, Arizona, following completion of Bangkok’s order, unless additional contracts are secured.

The company’s decision was primarily driven by a lack of ongoing orders and limited export sales over nearly two decades, according to Janes.