The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), on 24 September 2021.
The MoD has also signed an offset contract with Airbus Defence and Space through which Airbus will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian offset partners.
These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier in September 2021.
The induction of C-295MW will be a significant step towards modernisation of the transport fleet of IAF. It is a transport aircraft of five to 10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF.
The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo.
The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The project will provide a major boost to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan that offers an opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry.
Out of 56 aircraft, 40 will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. All the deliveries will be completed within 10 years of signing of the contract.
All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous electronic warfare suite. After completion of the delivery, the subsequent aircraft manufactured in India can be exported to countries which are cleared by the Centre.
The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft.
The programme will also involve development of specialised infrastructure in the form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiway.