India Solidifies Deal for 56 Airbus C295 Aircraft Acquisition
India has formalized the procurement of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to supplant the Indian Air Force (IAF) outdated AVRO fleet. This initiative marks the inaugural ‘Make in India’ aerospace venture within the private sector, entailing the complete establishment of a robust industrial framework: encompassing manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance throughout the aircraft’s entire lifecycle.
As per the contractual agreement, Airbus will provide the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final production line in Seville, Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be produced and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India, establishing an industrial alliance between the two firms.
The initial batch of 16 aircraft is set to be handed over over four years following the contract’s commencement. All of the IAF C295s will be delivered in transport configuration, equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.
“This agreement will bolster the continuous evolution of India’s aerospace ecosystem, injecting investment along with 15,000 skilled direct jobs and 10,000 indirect positions in the next decade,” stated Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “The C295 has reaffirmed its status as the segment frontrunner, and with India’s inclusion as a new operator, the model will extend its influence even further, not just in operational aspects but also in its own industrial and technological advancements.”
Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, commented, “This is a proud moment for Tatas and a significant milestone for the Indian military manufacturing landscape. For the very first time, an Indian private entity will wholly produce an aircraft within India. This initiative showcases Tata Advanced Systems’ proficiency as a defence manufacturer with the ability to develop globally competitive, intricate platforms in India.”
‘Make in India’ is central to Airbus’s strategy in India, with the company continually enhancing the nation’s contribution to its global product portfolio. The C295 initiative will see Airbus introduce its comprehensive range of world-class aircraft manufacturing and servicing capabilities to India in partnership with our industrial collaborators, including the Tatas and prominent defence public sector units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., along with private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
With a validated ability to operate from short or unprepared airstrips, the C295 serves for tactical transportation of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, and for logistical operations to regions inaccessible to heavier aircraft. It can airdrop paratroopers and cargo, and is also deployable for casualty or medical evacuation (medevac), as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing either basic litters or mobile intensive care units (ICU) outfitted with life support systems. The aircraft is capable of executing special mission profiles, along with disaster response and maritime patrol responsibilities.
The IAF becomes the 35th C295 operator globally, with the programme now encompassing 278 aircraft, of which 200 are currently operational and have logged over half a million flight hours.
