In a significant stride towards bolstering its defense capabilities and promoting indigenous manufacturing, India has received the last of its 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain. The handover ceremony took place on August 2 at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville, Spain, with Indian Ambassador Dinesh K. Patnaik and senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officials in attendance. This delivery, which occurred two months ahead of schedule, marks the completion of the first phase of a ₹21,935-crore deal signed in September 2021 to modernize India's tactical transport fleet.
The C-295 is a versatile and efficient tactical airlifter designed to replace the IAF's aging Avro-748 fleet, which has been in service for over six decades. With a payload capacity of 5-10 tonnes, the C-295 can carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and offers up to 11 hours of flight endurance. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, it boasts a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots and is capable of short takeoff and landing on unprepared runways, making it ideal for operations in India's diverse terrains. Its capabilities extend to troop transport, cargo delivery, medical evacuation, and airdropping supplies, enhancing India's military logistics, especially in remote and high-altitude regions.
With the initial phase complete, the focus now shifts to domestic manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative. The remaining 40 aircraft will be produced by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at a new facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility, inaugurated in October 2024, represents India's first private-sector final assembly line for military aircraft, marking a historic milestone. The Vadodara plant is expected to roll out its first India-assembled C-295 by September 2026, with all 40 aircraft completed by August 2031.
The C-295 program extends beyond simple aircraft acquisition; it is a strategic initiative for technology transfer and building a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in the country. The agreement includes technology transfer from Airbus to TASL, supporting the "Make in India" initiative and enhancing domestic defense manufacturing. Over 125 Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are participating in the C-295 program. The establishment of the Vadodara facility will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft. Key components like the fuselage, wings, and empennage will be manufactured in India, fostering a robust domestic supply chain. This initiative is anticipated to create thousands of skilled jobs, facilitate substantial technology transfer, and fortify India's defense industrial capacity.
The C-295 fleet will significantly enhance the IAF's tactical airlift capabilities, improving operational readiness and reducing dependency on imports. The aircraft's ability to operate from short and unpaved airstrips will substantially improve the IAF's logistical capabilities, allowing it to transport troops and cargo to remote areas, conduct special operations, and provide crucial support during disaster relief and humanitarian efforts. The successful delivery of the first 16 aircraft and the establishment of the Vadodara facility underscore India's growing capabilities in defense manufacturing and its commitment to self-reliance.
