Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the 16th and last C295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain. The delivery completes the first phase of India’s 2021 contract for 56 C295 transport aircraft, signed with Airbus Defence and Space for approximately $2.5 billion.

GA-ASI presents expanding fleet of uncrewed fighters in Rome
GA-ASI presents expanding fleet of uncrewed fighters in Rome
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The contract was established under India’s ‘Make in India’ programme to replace the IAF’s ageing AVRO fleet. Airbus was tasked with supplying the first 16 aircraft directly from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured and assembled in India through its partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

In October 2023, Airbus and TASL inaugurated the final assembly line (FAL) for the C295 in Vadodara, Gujarat. The first aircraft from the Indian facility is scheduled to roll out in September 2026, with production expected to continue until August 2031. Airbus has indicated that raw materials and up to 13,000 parts are already being produced at facilities in Nagpur, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, before being assembled into larger components in Hyderabad and shipped to Vadodara.

India has become the largest customer of the C295, with 56 aircraft ordered for the IAF. Reports suggest that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard also plan to introduce the type, with a combined order of 15 aircraft. A request for proposals for the maritime variant was issued in March, followed by approval from the Defence Acquisition Council.

The C295 is a medium tactical transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, with roles ranging from airdrop missions to casualty evacuation. It features short take-off and landing capability, enabling operations from rough or unprepared airstrips.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines, the aircraft offers a cruise speed of 260 knots, endurance of up to 13 hours, and operations at altitudes of up to 30,000 ft. Beyond transport roles, the platform is adaptable for missions such as maritime patrol, surveillance, aerial firefighting, and refuelling.

Atman Sandhu, Correspondent for the Government of India in Spain shared photos of the delivery on her social media account.