India will get its first Airbus C-295 tactical military transport aircraft this month, an official of the European aircraft manufacturer said on Thursday. “The first C-295 aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force this month only,” Remi Maillard, Airbus India President and Managing Director, told a press conference here.
First Airbus C-295 Transport Aircraft This Month
Maillard was speaking with the media after Airbus signed an agreement with the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to train engineers for the aviation industry. According to an Airbus official, Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal V R Chaudhari will fly to Seville, Spain, to take delivery of the first C-295 aircraft.
In September 2021, India signed an agreement with Airbus to supply 56 C-295 military transport aircraft. According to the deal, 40 aircraft would be produced at the Vadodara facility established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in collaboration with Airbus. Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft in flyaway condition from its Spanish base.
Also read: All about C-295 Aircraft being manufactured by Tata and Airbus
The C-295, with a payload of 5-10 tonnes, is utilised for tactical transport of up to 71 infantry or 50 paratroopers, as well as logistical operations to regions inaccessible to heavier aircraft. It has also demonstrated the capacity to operate from short or unprepared airstrips. According to Maillard, aircraft production in India will commence in 2026.
About Airbus C295
Airbus C295 is a new-generation tactical airlifter which is considered in the light and medium category. Although it is strong and dependable, it is also incredibly versatile in terms of the range of tasks it can carry out. Under all weather, the C295 operates in multiple roles all over the world. It regularly conducts daytime and nighttime combat missions in all types of weather, including maritime and desert environments with extremely hot and cold temperatures.
Also read: First Look at the First C-295 Transport Aircraft of India
With the addition of winglets to the new C295 variant, the aircraft can carry more payloads over longer distances in hot and arid circumstances, resulting in fuel savings of about 4% and increased safety margins in hilly areas. The demand for varied air transport missions among today’s military services is rising and the C295 is ready to carry out its mission successfully regardless of what is required for an operation.
40 C-295 will be produced in India
A total of 40 aircraft will be produced in India by the TATA-led Consortium led by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), as a part of the deal. Between September 2023 and August 2025, Airbus, Spain is projected to deliver the first 16 fly-away aircraft, while the first aircraft to be made in India is anticipated to arrive in September.
The C-295 represents Airbus Defense’s first significant victory in India. The H135M and AS565 Panther are two potential future offerings in the navy utility helicopter market. Airbus has fielded the A330 MRTT in order to assist the IAF in its acquisition of airborne refuelling tankers.
Significance of C-295 Transport Aircraft
The addition of the C-295 transport plane to the IAF fleet is intended to considerably improve the IAF’s strategic airlift capabilities, enabling more efficient and effective delivery of personnel, equipment, and supplies. This modernization project is consistent with India’s goal of upgrading its defence capabilities and armed forces in preparation for future challenges.
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