# The remaining 40 aircrafts will be manufactured and assembled in India in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.
JNS: In a significant milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the first C-295 MW transport aircraft, part of a fleet of 56, was formally handed over to India by Airbus in a grand ceremony at Seville, in Spain today. Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, will attend the formal handover ceremony of the first C-295 MW transport aircraft in Seville, Spain.
The C-295 MW, a versatile and advanced transport aircraft, marks a critical step in India’s efforts to modernize its air fleet and enhance its strategic airlift capabilities. According to the IAF, Airbus, the renowned European aerospace corporation, officially delivered the aircraft to the Indian Air Force during this historic ceremony.
India’s decision to acquire a fleet of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft is a vital part of the country’s ongoing efforts to replace its aging AVRO fleet with state-of-the-art platforms. Under the terms of the contract, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in fly-away condition directly from its final assembly line in Seville.
The remaining 40 aircrafts will be manufactured and assembled in India in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus. This collaboration not only boosts the ‘Make in India’ mission, but it also has the potential to considerably improve the indigenous aviation ecosystem.
The partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems will span the entire lifecycle of the C-295 aircraft, encompassing manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance. This comprehensive approach is expected to attract substantial investments and create numerous skilled and indirect job opportunities in the aviation sector.
The addition of 56 C-295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force’s inventory is poised to bolster the nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiatives, aligning with the government’s vision to promote domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in defense production.
The C-295 MW, renowned for its versatility, can transport up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers. It is also well-suited for conducting logistical operations in areas that may be inaccessible to heavier aircraft, making it an indispensable asset for the Indian Air Force’s tactical and strategic needs.
Today’s formal handover ceremony not only marks the beginning of a new era in India’s aviation capabilities but also strengthens international collaborations, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving collective defense and manufacturing goals.
As the Indian Air Force begins to integrate the C-295 MW into its fleet, the nation looks forward to increased capabilities and enhanced self-sufficiency in the defense sector. This momentous occasion in Seville represents a significant step forward in India’s journey toward modernizing its armed forces and promoting domestic aerospace development.
