The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to receive its first Made-in-India C295 transport aircraft in Vadodara on September 22-23, marking a significant milestone for the country’s defence manufacturing sector.
The aircraft, currently undergoing flight tests, is likely to be inducted into one of the IAF’s C295 squadrons based in Agra and Vadodara. It will be the first military aircraft manufactured in India by the private sector, per a report by Hindustan Times.
The C295 programme is being jointly executed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus under a Rs 21,935-crore contract signed by the Defence Ministry in September 2021 for the procurement of 56 aircraft.
Production programme gathers pace
Airbus has already delivered 16 aircraft to the Indian Air Force in flyaway condition. The remaining aircraft are being assembled in India at the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani recently visited the facility to review the progress of the programme. Officials said the project remains on schedule and the remaining 39 aircraft are expected to be delivered by August 2031, reported HT.
The IAF is also expected to begin raising its third C295 squadron next year.
C295 lands at Dharasu to conduct rescue and relief operations. Representative image/ANI Boost to operational capabilities
The C295 aircraft are expected to strengthen the air force’s transport and logistics capabilities, particularly in forward areas and regions near the border with China. They will gradually replace the ageing Avro transport fleet that entered service in the early 1960s.
The aircraft can carry up to nine tonnes of cargo, 71 personnel or 45 paratroopers. It has a maximum speed of 480 kmph and can operate from short or unprepared airstrips. A rear ramp allows quick loading and paradropping of troops and cargo.
Expanding domestic aerospace manufacturing
Under the C295 programme, India is manufacturing more than 13,000 parts, 4,600 sub-assemblies and major component assemblies. Engines, landing gear and avionics are being supplied by Airbus and integrated into the aircraft.
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Airbus and TASL are also setting up an H125 helicopter production line in Karnataka, which will become India’s first private-sector helicopter final assembly facility.
FAQs:
When will the IAF receive its first Made-in-India C295 aircraft?
The aircraft is expected to be delivered around September 22-23.
What will the C295 aircraft replace in the IAF?
The C295 will gradually replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft fleet.
