OVERVIEW: The IAI 201 Arava is a twin-engine, short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility aircraft developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, modified for ELINT and COMINT roles. Thailand operated this platform from 1981 in an electronic surveillance configuration for regional signal monitoring and intelligence missions.

DETAILS: The IAI 201 Arava was developed in the late 1960s by Israel Aircraft Industries as a versatile light transport and special mission aircraft. Its high-wing, twin-turboprop design allows for excellent low-speed handling and operations from short or unprepared airstrips. Thailand acquired the Arava in multiple variants, including modified ELINT/COMINT configurations used by the Royal Thai Air Force for electronic surveillance missions. Powered by two Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engines, the aircraft has a cruising speed of approximately 370 km/h and a range of around 1,000–1,300 km depending on mission load. The ELINT/COMINT versions were outfitted with side-mounted antenna arrays and internal electronic mission systems for intercepting communications and radar emissions.

The ELINT configuration of the Arava operated by Thailand was tailored for regional electronic intelligence gathering and border monitoring, especially in response to regional security concerns in Southeast Asia. The systems were believed to be domestically integrated or supplied via Israeli firms under export control agreements.

TYPE: Tactical Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Aircraft

FUNCTION: Used for interception and monitoring of communication and radar emissions in support of national security, border surveillance, and electronic mapping. Its short-field performance and compact profile made it suitable for operations from austere airfields near sensitive regions.

NOTE:
IOC: 1972 (base model), 1981 (Thai configuration)
Manufacturer: Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)
Operators: Thailand
Conflict used in: Regional surveillance and internal security monitoring (1980s–1990s)

SOURCE:
IAI Official Website: https://www.iai.co.il ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft: https://www.janes.com ; FlightGlobal World Air Forces Directory ; Royal Thai Air Force Historical Overview ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/arava.htm