Cabinet Committee on Security on September 8, 2021 approved the procurement of fifty six C-295MW transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain for the Indian Air Force.
- Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to replace the ageing Avros. The Avros, once inducted, could be deployed on the sea routes replacing the An-32s in those sectors.
- C-295MW aircraft is a transport aircraft of 5-10 Tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF. The aircraft has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.
- This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India under technology transfer by a private company and is expected to cost close to $3billion.
- Sixteen aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of signing of the contract and 40 will be manufactured in India by Tata Consortium within 10 years of signing of the contract.
