India signs contract for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft

New Delhi: India has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space Company of Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Defence Ministry signed the contract with Airbus Defence and Space. It also signed an Offset Contract with Airbus Defence and Space. These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

The induction of C-295MW will be a significant step towards modernisation of the transport fleet of the Indian Air Force. 56 C-295MW transport aircraft is supported by latest technology which will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF. The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman & Nicobar



Islands.

The project will provide a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of the Centre that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry. Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. 

All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract. All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs of 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.