The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted its first C-295 transport aircraft at Vadodara Air Force Station on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. The aircraft was flown in from Spain by Group Captain PS Negi and landed after taking off from Bahrain.
The aircraft would be handed over to the IAF in a formal ceremony on 25 Sep 23 at Air Force Station Hindan by the Honourable Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
The IAF's first C-295 MW aircraft landed in Vadodara today.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 20, 2023
The aircraft would be handed over to the #IAF in a formal ceremony on 25 Sep 23 at AF Stn Hindan by the Honourable Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.#AtmanirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/qkhoamP2IG
The C-295 is a medium-sized tactical transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. It is a versatile aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and maritime patrol. The IAF has ordered a total of 56 C-295 aircraft, which will be used to replace its aging fleet of Avro 748 aircraft.
Aircraft Specifications
The C-295 is a twin-turboprop aircraft with a wingspan of 25.8 meters and a length of 24.5 meters. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 9.3 tons and can carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers. The aircraft can also carry up to 9 tons of cargo or two standard NATO pallets.
The C-295 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines, which give it a maximum speed of 520 kilometers per hour and a range of 4,500 kilometers. The aircraft is also equipped with a rear ramp and cargo door, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo.
Deal Information
In September 2021, the Indian government signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the purchase of 56 C-295 aircraft. The deal is worth over тВ╣22,000 crore (US$2.8 billion).
Under the terms of the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered to the IAF in flyaway condition from Airbus’ facility in Seville, Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with Airbus.
The first indigenously manufactured C-295 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the IAF in 2026. The final aircraft is scheduled to be delivered by 2031.
Significance of the C-295 Induction
The induction of the C-295 aircraft is a significant milestone for the IAF. The aircraft will provide the IAF with a modern and versatile transport platform that will enhance its operational capabilities.
The C-295 aircraft will be used to transport troops, cargo, and medical personnel to and from remote and forward areas. The aircraft will also be used for maritime patrol and search and rescue operations.
The C-295 induction is also a major boost for the Indian aerospace industry. The indigenous manufacturing of the C-295 aircraft will create jobs and transfer technology to Indian companies.
