The American Light Attack (LAE) program demonstrates the first successes. Yesterday, November 15, the portal defensenews.com He announced that Thailand became the first foreign customer of the American light attack aircraft Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine (translated into Russian Wolwerine ― "Wolverine").
According to the contract, Thailand will pay $143 million for eight Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft, ground support equipment, spare parts, training and other equipment. The adoption of aircraft into service is scheduled for 2024. As part of the Thai Air Force, light attack aircraft will replace the outdated Aero L-39 Albatros.
AT-6 Wolverine Light attack aircraft
Image source: businessinsider.com
In 2019, the LAE program, formerly known as OA-X, was redesigned. If initially the US Department of Defense intended to get cheap aircraft for its own Air Force, now the program is designed to support allied forces. "We believe that a light attack aircraft can help our allies and partners in the fight against extremism and conduct operations within their borders," said General David Goldfein, chief of staff of the US Air Force.
In service with the Thai Air Force, the aircraft will be named Beechcraft AT-6TH and will be used to fight terrorists, smugglers and border control. The AT-6 Wolverine is a continuation of the light attack aircraft line, which already includes the T-6A and T-6B models. The AT-6 was developed by the American company Hawker Beechcraft as part of the LAS (Light Air Support) program based on the Texan II training aircraft.
