Airbus hands over C295 transport aircraft to IAF, first lot under Rs 22,000 crore project

In a significant development, Airbus Defence and Space handed over the initial C295 transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday, marking the commencement of a crucial project valued at Rs 21,935 crore. This project was sealed two years ago as part of India's broader efforts to modernize its air assets.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff, personally received the aircraft at Airbus's production facility in the southern Spanish city of Seville.

Under the terms of this agreement, Airbus is set to deliver the first 16 aircraft in a 'fly-away' condition directly from its final assembly line in Seville by the year 2025. Subsequently, the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India. This forms an essential aspect of the industrial partnership established between the two companies.


Last year in October, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the manufacturing facility for the C295 planes in Vadodara. This will be the first military aircraft produced in India by a private consortium.



The IAF's decision to procure the C295 aircraft is aimed at replacing its aging Avro-748 fleet, which has been in service for over six decades.

The global C295 program boasts a remarkable total of 280 orders from 39 operators, making it an unparalleled aircraft in its weight and mission class, according to the aircraft manufacturer.

The C295 is renowned for its versatility and is designed for the tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers. It is also well-suited for logistical operations in areas inaccessible to heavier aircraft. Additionally, it can perform airdrops of paratroops and supplies and is equipped for casualty or medical evacuation missions. Furthermore, the aircraft is adaptable for special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties.

Following the finalization of this substantial deal last year, Airbus expressed its commitment to bringing world-class aircraft manufacturing and servicing to India in collaboration with its industrial partners.

In May, the first C295 aircraft manufactured for India successfully completed its maiden flight in Seville, with the second one currently in the final stages of assembly at the same facility, scheduled for delivery to the IAF in May next year.

Six IAF pilots and 20 technicians have already undergone extensive training at the Seville facility.

The Vadodara final assembly line for the C295 aircraft is slated to become operational in November of the following year.

The IAF is set to become the largest operator of the C295 aircraft worldwide, further emphasizing the significance of this acquisition.