In a significant milestone for India’s defence preparedness, the country has received the final Airbus C-295 aircraft from Spain. The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the completion of the first phase of its ambitious transport fleet upgrade on Saturday with the delivery of the 16th aircraft under the contract with Airbus Defence and Space.
The Indian Embassy in Spain confirmed the development, stating that the aircraft was handed over at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville. Indian Ambassador to Spain Dinesh K Patnaik, along with senior IAF officials, was present at the handover ceremony.
Two Months Ahead of Schedule, Strengthening India’s Defence
The final delivery came two months earlier than the originally planned timeline, showcasing strong coordination between India and Airbus. “The delivery, two months ahead of schedule, marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s defence capabilities,” the Indian mission posted on social media.
The C-295 aircraft is equipped with advanced technology and offers a flight endurance of up to 11 hours. It is capable of carrying 5 to 10 tonnes of payload and is highly versatile for tactical and logistical transport missions.
Replacing the Ageing Avro Fleet
The new fleet of C-295 aircraft will replace the outdated Avro aircraft, which have served the IAF since the 1960s. This transition not only modernizes India’s airlift capabilities but also enhances mission readiness and operational flexibility.
India’s Mega Deal with Airbus: 56 Aircraft Under the Contract
India signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space in September 2021 for 56 C-295MW aircraft. According to the agreement:
- 16 aircraft were to be delivered directly from Spain.
- 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
With Saturday’s delivery, Airbus has completed its commitment for the first 16 aircraft, and the spotlight now shifts to India’s indigenous production.
Make in India: A New Era of Military Aircraft Manufacturing
The remaining 40 aircraft will be produced in Vadodara, Gujarat, at the TATA Aircraft Complex, which was inaugurated jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez in October last year. This facility is the first-ever private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India.
The manufacturing process will include:
- Complete assembly and integration.
- Testing and qualification of the aircraft.
- Lifecycle maintenance support.
This marks a significant step in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Public and Private Sector Synergy
The C-295 programme is a collaborative effort involving both public and private sector players. In addition to TATA Advanced Systems, prominent public defence undertakings such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are contributing to the programme. Furthermore, numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will also be engaged in the supply chain, thereby fostering innovation and job creation across the country.
Strategic Significance and Future Prospects
The induction of the C-295 aircraft into the Indian Air Force not only enhances the country’s tactical airlift capability but also positions India as a future hub for military aircraft production and export. The project’s success could open doors for international collaborations, joint ventures, and technology transfer opportunities in the defence aerospace sector.
India’s successful acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft from Spain and the establishment of a domestic assembly line reflect a major stride in defence modernization. As the country prepares to manufacture the remaining 40 aircraft on its soil, this initiative embodies the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and marks a historic leap towards defence self-sufficiency.