Airbus C-295 Aircraft: Modernising India’s Tactical Airlift Fleet

Syllabus: Science & Tech (UPSC GS III)
Source: News on Air

Context

India has received the final unit of 16 Airbus C-295 aircraft from Spain, delivered two months ahead of schedule. This marks a major step in India’s efforts to modernise its military transport fleet.

Overview of Airbus C-295

What is it?
The C-295 is a medium tactical transport aircraft used for a variety of military operations, including:

• Troop and cargo transport
• Paratroop deployment
• Disaster relief and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• Maritime surveillance

Developed by:
Initially developed in the 1990s by CASA (Spain), now part of Airbus Defence and Space.

Indian Objective:
To replace the ageing HS-748 Avro fleet and improve India’s tactical airlift capability in remote and forward regions.

Key Features of the C-295 Aircraft

• Multirole Performance: Suitable for both combat and humanitarian missions.
• Advanced Systems:
  • FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System)
  • Bubble windows for observation
  • Rear loading ramp
  • Touchscreen navigation system
• Operational Flexibility:
  • Can take off and land on short, semi-prepared runways
  • Ideal for border and island areas
• Endurance:
  • Over 11 hours of continuous surveillance
• Spacious Design:
  • Allows console installations without compromising cargo/troop space

Significance for India

• Total Order:
  • 56 aircraft:
    • 16 delivered from Spain
    • 40 to be Made in India by Tata Advanced Systems at Vadodara
• Private Sector Milestone:
  • First major indigenous military aircraft project led by the private sector
  • Involves 90% technology transfer and local manufacturing of 13,000+ components
• Strategic Use:
  • Boosts air mobility in sensitive regions like the Northeast, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
  • Enables rapid troop movement and crisis response