IAF’s First C-295 Tactical Transport Aircraft

In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) proudly inducted its first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft on Monday. This momentous event was marked by the formal induction ceremony, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the presence of top military officials in Ghaziabad.

The Versatile C-295 Aircraft

The C-295, hailing from the Airbus family, represents the latest generation of highly versatile tactical transport aircraft. It is purpose-built to handle a wide spectrum of missions, ranging from troop and cargo transport to maritime patrol, signals intelligence, and medical evacuation.

Besides traditional transport, it can execute airdrops for paratroops and cargo, play a pivotal role in casualty and medical evacuation missions, and prove invaluable in special operations, disaster response efforts, and maritime patrol duties.

Impressive Payload Capacity

One of the standout features of the C-295 aircraft is its remarkable payload capacity. Capable of carrying up to nine tonnes of cargo or accommodating as many as 71 troops, this aircraft is engineered to excel in a variety of operational scenarios. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots, ensuring swift and efficient transportation.

Replacing Aging Fleet

This induction comes after a strategic decision to replace India’s aging Avro-748 fleets, a process initiated two years ago. On September 13, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari received the first of the 56 C-295 transport aircraft. This transition aligns with India’s vision for modernizing its military capabilities.

Airbus-Tata Partnership

Under the procurement deal, Airbus is set to deliver the initial 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, by 2025. The subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India through a collaborative effort with Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). This partnership signifies a robust industrial cooperation between the two companies.

Production Milestones

Notably, production activities for various components of these aircraft have already commenced at the Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility located in Hyderabad. This forward momentum underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2023

Category: Defence Current Affairs