Indian Air Force to modernize fleet with new batch of 16 C295 transport aircraft.

In February 2024, as part of the 'Make in India' initiative, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating the integration of the first 16 C295 aircraft, marking the beginning of the replacement of its aging Avro-748 fleet. This initial phase of the acquisition program, formalized in September 2021, underscores India's ambition to renew its aerial capabilities with more modern and efficient aircraft.
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Indian Air Force C295 transport aircraft (Picture source: Airbus)

These 16 aircraft, delivered in fly-away condition from Airbus's final assembly line in Seville, Spain, represent a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and Airbus Defence and Space. They embody not only technical progress but also a successful industrial collaboration under the banner of national self-reliance, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The official certification ceremony of the Quality Management System (QMS) for the C295, which took place in Hyderabad, also highlighted India's commitment producing detailed parts and sub-assemblies for the remaining aircraft on its own soil. This effort is supported by the collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), emphasizing the importance of developing a comprehensive industrial ecosystem within the country.

Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt, Vice President and Head of the C295 India Programme at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed his satisfaction: "The delivery of the first 16 C295s in direct fly-away condition from Seville is a crucial milestone that demonstrates our commitment to the IAF and the 'Make in India' programme. We are proud to see these modern aircraft ready to serve India."

The Avro-748, which has served the IAF since the early 1960s, is retiring after decades of reliable service. Originally designed by the British manufacturer Avro, it was the last aircraft developed before its dissolution. Its replacement with the C295, a more modern and versatile aircraft, opens a new chapter in the history of Indian military aviation.

With the remaining 40 aircraft to be manufactured and assembled in India, this acquisition program highlights India's determination to strengthen its defense capabilities while fostering national industrial and technological development. The modernization of the IAF's fleet with the C295 promises to significantly improve logistics, tactical air transport, and disaster relief operations, marking a significant evolution in India's air power.

The C295 is a new-generation tactical transport aircraft designed by Airbus Defence and Space, noted for its versatility and ability to perform a multitude of military and humanitarian missions. This twin-turboprop aircraft is an evolution of the CN-235, offering increased payload capacity and extended range thanks to its more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G engines. Capable of carrying up to 71 troops or nine tons of cargo, the C295 can reach a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots and operate at altitudes up to 30,000 feet.

Designed to operate under challenging conditions, the C295 can take off and land on short, semi-prepared, and unpaved runways, providing direct access to crisis or operational areas. Its unobstructed 12.69-meter-long pressurized cabin offers great flexibility for transporting troops, medical litter, or various types of cargo. Additionally, the aircraft can be equipped for air-to-air refueling of other aircraft and helicopters, further enhancing its operational versatility.

The C295 is also designed to support various configurations, allowing it to perform maritime surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations, thanks to its Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS). This flexibility is complemented by an optional self-protection suite for operations in hostile environments, including cockpit armor, decoy systems, and radar, missile, and laser warning systems.

Technically, the C295's cockpit is equipped with modern avionics featuring a full digital display, compatible with night vision goggles, and can be configured with two optional head-up displays. Aircraft destined for the United Arab Emirates Navy incorporate the FITS mission system, which includes four multifunction consoles, highlighting the C295's ability to adapt to the specific needs of its operators.