The Indian Air Force is set to receive its first Made-in-India C295 transport aircraft on September 22-23 in Vadodara. This marks the first military plane produced by India’s private sector under a 2021 contract with Airbus. The delivery will enhance logistics capabilities and support the replacement of older Avro aircraft.
The aircraft, currently undergoing flight tests, will join one of the two existing C295 squadrons based in Agra and Vadodara. Officials noted that the plane is part of a ₹21,935-crore deal signed in September 2021 for 56 aircraft. Airbus has already delivered 16 planes in flyaway condition, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited handles assembly in India.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani visited the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara last week to review progress. The programme remains on track, with the remaining 39 planes scheduled for delivery by August 2031. The IAF plans to begin raising a third C295 squadron next year.
The C295 will improve the air force’s ability to meet mission requirements in forward areas. It can carry up to nine tonnes of payload or 71 personnel and operate from short or unprepared airstrips. The IAF is expected to become the world’s largest operator of the type.
