India-Airbus Negotiate Procurement of Additional 10 C-295 Transport Aircraft: New Delhi, India – In a significant move to modernize its aging military transport capabilities, India is actively negotiating the acquisition of an additional 10 Airbus C-295 aircraft. This potential purchase would augment the nation’s existing order of 71 C-295s, marking a substantial expansion of its fleet and reinforcing its strategic partnership with Airbus and the Tata Group.
The impetus behind this move stems from India’s urgent need to replace its aging Avro HS-748 aircraft, which have served the nation since 1961. The C-295, a versatile and robust multi-role transport aircraft, is seen as the ideal platform to address this critical requirement.
The ongoing discussions come on the heels of the establishment of a C-295 assembly line in Gujarat last year, a testament to the deepening collaboration between Airbus and the Tata Group. In 2021, India formalized its commitment to modernizing its transport fleet by signing a $2.52 billion deal for 56 C-295s for the Indian Air Force. Subsequently, the government approved an initial order of 15 additional aircraft for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, highlighting the platform’s adaptability across various military branches.
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India’s PM Modi (L), Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated Tata-Airbus plant in Badodara. (File Photo: October 28, 2024).
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The proposed acquisition of 10 more C-295s, reportedly destined for the Indian Air Force, reflects the nation’s pressing need to bolster its transport capacity. Based on the pricing of the initial 56 aircraft, the potential expanded order of 25 C-295s could be valued at approximately $1.1 billion.
The C-295’s capabilities are well-suited to India’s diverse operational requirements. The aircraft can carry up to 70 troops or eight tonnes of cargo, and is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including airborne warning, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Airbus has emphasized that the Indian Air Force will soon become the largest operator of the C-295 globally, with all structural components being manufactured locally in India.
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Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara (File).
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Beyond the current negotiations, the Indian government is reportedly considering further orders for the C-295, with some sources suggesting a desire for up to 75 additional aircraft beyond the initial 56. This ambitious plan underscores India’s long-term commitment to enhancing its strategic airlift capabilities.
The delivery timeline for the C-295s is structured to facilitate both immediate and long-term needs. The first 16 aircraft from the original order are being assembled in Spain, ensuring a swift infusion of new platforms. The remaining aircraft will be produced at the Airbus-Tata facility in India, with production slated to continue until 2031. To address potential urgent requirements, some of the newly ordered aircraft might also be sourced from Spain, ensuring a faster delivery timeline.
This initiative is deeply intertwined with India’s broader strategy to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing, a critical objective in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges, particularly China’s growing military capabilities. By promoting domestic production and fostering partnerships with global aerospace leaders like Airbus, India aims to strengthen its defense industrial base and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.
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India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inducted 1st Airbus C-295 MW in IAF in Ghaziabad near New Delhi. (September 23, 2023)
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The establishment of the C-295 assembly line in India not only creates jobs and stimulates local economic activity but also facilitates the transfer of advanced manufacturing technologies. This strategic approach aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, which seeks to transform the nation into a global manufacturing hub.
The potential expansion of the C-295 fleet represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to modernize its military transport capabilities. By investing in advanced platforms and promoting domestic production, India is enhancing its strategic posture and ensuring its ability to respond effectively to evolving security challenges.
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