Airbus Defence and Space has officially delivered the first of 56 C295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of a fleet replacement effort for its ageing Avros-748 aircraft. The C295, configured for transport and equipped with an indigenous electronic warfare suite, will be flown from Airbus’ production site in Seville, Spain, to Delhi, India, by a joint IAF-Airbus crew.
The delivery ceremony in Seville marked a significant milestone, as this contract with India represents the largest order in the history of the C295. The first 16 C295s will be assembled in Seville, with subsequent deliveries scheduled until August 2025. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, India, to promote self-reliance in the defense-manufacturing sector. The first ‘Make in India’ C295 is expected to roll out in September 2026, with the final delivery to the IAF anticipated by August 2031.
The C295 is known for its versatility, capable of carrying troops, and paratroopers, airdropping cargo, and performing medical evacuations. It can also operate from short and unpaved runways. With 283 orders from 41 operators, the C295 is a leader in its segment.
