The C-295, a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology, is set to replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the IAF.
India is enhancing its defence capabilities through the diversification of military partners. While maintaining its long-standing relationship with Russia and building ties with France, India is also expanding its arsenal with strategic acquisitions across nations such as Spain. These actions indicate India’s resolve to establish a more powerful and self-reliant military.
How is India significantly strengthening its defence capabilities?
Indian Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, along with other senior officials, received the last of the 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville. The Indian embassy in Spain on Saturday said that the delivery was two months ahead of schedule, marking an important milestone in Indian defence capabilities.
Sharing a post on X(formerly Twitter), the embassy stated,” Indian Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, along with senior officials from Indian Air Force, received the last of the 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville. The delivery, two months ahead of schedule, marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s defense capabilities.”
What is the C-295 aircraft and why is it crucial for India’s Air Force?
The Airbus C295 is a robust, reliable and highly versatile tactical transport aircraft designed for missions ranging from troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, airborne warning, surveillance and reconnaissance, to signals intelligence, armed close air support, medical evacuation, VIP transport and airborne firefighting. It is the world’s most versatile and efficient multi-role tactical airlifter, reported news agency ANI.
With more than 300 aircraft under contract, the C295 has an outstanding reliability record and proves itself to be a highly efficient aircraft every day. The C295 is the perfect workhorse, offering unparalleled versatility and proven reliability to meet the needs of armed forces, governments and NGOs. Bilateral partnership in defence sector between the countries has witnessed rapid growth in recent years.
The procurement of 56 C295 aircraft from Airbus Spain in a USD 2.5 billion contract, 40 of which will be made in India by Tata Advanced Systems, represents the first Make in India project in the defence aircraft sector.
According to the statement by the MEA, the Chief of Indian Air Force ACM VR Chaudhari presided the handing over of the first C295 Aircraft to the Indian government on September 13, 2023, in Seville.
The C-295, a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology, is set to replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the IAF. The aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, is a versatile and efficient tactical transport aircraft. India signed a contract with Airbus Defence & Space, Spain, for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for IAF in Sep 2021.
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