IAF inducts first C-295 transport aircraft

The first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force on Monday, boosting its logistics capabilities.

The induction ceremony took place at the Hindan Air Force Station, Ghaziabad in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari along with senior officials of the IAF as well as of Airbus attended the induction ceremony.

Singh later took part in a 'Sarva Dharma Pooja' that was performed in the hangar to mark the induction.


This state-of-the-art aircraft has the capability to perform various missions, including special operations, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties

Once India begins manufacturing these planes, it will join a select group of countries with the capability to produce the C-295, including the US, UK, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Brazil, China, and Japan.

Under the contract, 16 of the 56 C-295 aircraft will be manufactured in Spain, while the remaining 40 will be produced through a joint venture between Tata and Airbus at their facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. This joint venture marks a historic moment as it represents the first time a private consortium in India will manufacture a military aircraft. The final assembly line in Vadodara is set to become operational by November next year.

The C-295 aircraft will be equipped with indigenous electronic warfare systems and rear ramp doors for quick-reaction and para-dropping of troops and cargo. The contract, valued at nearly Rs 22,000 crore, was signed in September 2021 and was led by Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari during his tenure as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff.

Key Features of the C-295 Transport Plane:

• Capacity: 5-10 tonne transport aircraft
• Passenger Capacity: Up to 71 troops or 49 para-troopers
• Maximum Cruise Speed: 260 knots
• Versatile Low-Level Flight Characteristics for Tactical Missions
• Rear Ramp Door for Quick Reaction and Para-Dropping
• Indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited
• Powered by Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G Turboprop Engines
• Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) Capability for Unprepared Airstrips
• Medical Evacuation Capability with 24 stretchers and seven medical attendants.

(With agency inputs)