today, where Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will produce the C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was also in attendance, having laid the foundation stone for the Final Assembly Line (FAL) plant back in October 2022.
This facility marks a significant milestone as the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India. Here’s what you need to know about the C-295 and its importance for the Indian military.
C-295 Overview
The C-295 was initially developed by the Spanish manufacturer Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA, which is now part of Airbus. In September 2021, India signed a deal worth ₹21,935 crore with Airbus Defence and Space for the procurement of 56 C-295 aircraft, intended to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes that have served since the early 1960s.
Production and Delivery
Under the agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured by TASL in India as part of a collaboration between the two companies.
- Timeline:
- First 16 fly-away aircraft to be delivered between September 2023 and August 2025.
- The first Made-in-India aircraft is expected to be rolled out in September 2026, with the remaining 39 to be produced by August 2031.
After fulfilling the delivery commitments, Airbus Defence and Space will be permitted to sell the aircraft produced in India to civil operators and export them to countries cleared by the Government of India.
Specifications and Capabilities
The C-295MW is a versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying 5 to 10 tonnes and flying at a maximum speed of 480 km/h. Key features include:
- Rear Ramp Door: Enables quick troop and cargo deployment.
- Short Take-off and Landing (STOL): Can operate from semi-prepared surfaces, including airstrips as short as 2,200 feet.
- Capacity: Accommodates up to 71 seats, with a cabin length of 12.7 meters (41 feet 8 inches) and more cargo capacity than competitors.
All 56 aircraft will be outfitted with an indigenous electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited. Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar noted that this aircraft will feature the highest indigenous content ever seen in an Indian military aircraft, with 96% of the production tasks previously performed in Spain now being done at the Vadodara facility.
Operational History and Uses
The C-295 is designed for tactical transport, capable of carrying troops and supplies from major airfields to forward operating locations. It has proven its reliability in various challenging environments, having operated in:
- South America: Brazilian jungles and Colombian mountains
- Middle East: Deserts of Algeria and Jordan
- Europe: Cold climates of Poland and Finland
Additionally, the aircraft has been utilized in military operations in Chad, Iraq, and Afghanistan, demonstrating its versatility for tasks such as:
- Troop Transport
- Logistical Supply Delivery
- Casualty or Medical Evacuation
- Disaster Response
- Maritime Patrol Duties
The inauguration of this plant not only enhances India’s military capabilities but also strengthens its position in the defense manufacturing sector, fostering greater self-reliance.
Leave a Reply