India’s defence ministry on Friday signed a deal with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, on the procurement of 56 C-295 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“The Ministry of defence signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, for the acquisition of 56 C-295 MW transport aircraft for the IAF,’’ the ministry said in a statement.
The official said the contract was signed following approval by the cabinet committee on security earlier this month.
The C-295 aircraft is expected to replace the Avro-748 planes of IAF.
“It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of the IAF.
“The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.
“The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of the IAF,’’ the statement said.
According to the Indian defence ministry, the induction of the C-295 will be a significant step towards modernisation of the IAF’s transport fleet.
Under the deal, 16 aircraft will be delivered in a flyaway condition by Airbus Defence and Space within 48 months of signing the contract, and the remaining 40 planes would be manufactured in India by a consortium of the Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) within 10 years of signing the contract.
“The project will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (self-reliant India initiative) of the government that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry,’’ the statement added.
“All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous electronic warfare suite,’’ it said.
