The first C-295 transport aircraft was officially handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by Airbus Defence and Space in a ceremony witnessed by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Seville, Spain. This is the start of a transformative journey for the IAF’s transport fleet, as 56 C-295 aircraft have been ordered as part of a 21,935-crore initiative to modernise India’s transport capabilities. Airbus will supply 16 planes in flyaway condition, with the rest being constructed in India at a Tata factory in Gujarat’s Vadodara.
A formal induction ceremony is planned to take place at the Hindon airbase later this month, according to people familiar with the situation. The anxiously awaited first aircraft is expected to arrive in India soon.
The first C-295 was delivered two years after the Indian defence ministry signed a deal with Airbus for this important purchase, which was done to increase independence in the defence manufacturing industry. This project is being carried out jointly by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, signifying a cooperative step towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities.
Officials claim that the second C-295 for the IAF is currently undergoing final assembly at Airbus’ Seville factory and will be delivered in May 2024. The IAF will gradually get the remaining 15 flyaway aircraft; the final one is anticipated in August 2025. The first ‘Made in India’ C-295 rolling out of the Vadodara facility in September 2026 will be the program’s major accomplishment. The remaining 39 aircraft will be finished by August 2031.
Notably, in October 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the cornerstone for the manufacturing facility in Vadodara. As the C-295 becomes India’s first military aircraft produced by a private partnership, this facility will be crucial, paving the way for the IAF to emerge as the world’s largest operator of the C-295 aircraft.
The necessity to replace the outdated Avro-748 aircraft, which had been in service since the early 1960s, led to the decision to purchase the C-295. The C-295 is an essential component of the IAF’s modernisation operations because it has cutting-edge capabilities.
Over 13,000 parts, 4,600 subassemblies, and all major component assemblies will be produced domestically as part of the C-295 India project. But crucial components like the aircraft’s engines, landing gear, and avionics will be provided by Airbus and incorporated into it. Two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines on the C-295 guarantee reliable performance.
The extensive C-295 deal includes a number of elements, including as performance-based logistics support for five years and the provision of spare parts across ten operational bases for ten years.
The C-295 is a powerful aircraft with exceptional cargo capacities of up to 9 tonnes, 71 passengers, or 45 paratroopers. It can operate from short or unprepared airstrips at a maximum speed of 480 km/h, greatly boosting its capability for a variety of military activities. The aircraft’s tactical airlift capabilities are strengthened with the addition of a rear ramp for paradropping personnel and supplies.
India’s efforts to improve its defence capabilities, promote independence, and update its transport fleet have advanced significantly with the delivery of the first C-295. The Indian Air Force will be much better able to satisfy its operational needs as the remaining aircraft are supplied and produced in India, strengthening its status as a force to be reckoned with.
