$2.5-bn contract signed for 56 Airbus C-295 military aircraft

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a $2.5 billion contract for the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft on September 24, 2021.

Key Facts

• 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft will replace the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) legacy fleet of Avro HS-748 aircraft.
• As per contract, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition. It will be delivered from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain.
• Other 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). Manufacturing will be done in India as part of an industrial partnership between Airbus and TASL.

Operator of C-295

Indian Air Force will become the 35th operator of C-295 aircraft worldwide.

Order of C-295 aircraft

Airbus had obtained orders for 278 of the aircraft. Out of which 200 are already in operation.

Avro replacement programme

Under the “Avro replacement programme”, a private sector firm will build an entire aircraft in India for the first time. It will be developing an entire industrial ecosystem ranging from manufacture, assembly, testing and qualification, delivery to the maintenance of aircraft’s lifecycle.

Specification of C-295 aircrafts

C-295 aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW-127 turbo-prop engines, which is a part of the PW-100 family. It can transport up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers along with battle loads. It can also ferry supplies to locations which are not accessible by the heavier transport aircraft of IAF. It can also be used for medical evacuation, using basic litters or mobile intensive care units (ICU) comprising of life support equipment.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2021