First C-295 aircraft leaves for India, how it will give wings to ‘Make in India’ initiative

New Delhi: The C-295 transport aircraft, built by Airbus Spain is on its way to India. The Indian Air Force’s first aircraft, out of stipulated 56 airliners, is being flown by Group Captain PS Negi and is set reach Vadodara in next few days.

The aircraft was received by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Spain’s Seville on September 13. A formal induction ceremony is set to take place at Hindon airbase on September 25.

Notably, India had signed a deal with aviation giant Airbus in 2021, for manufacturing & delivery of 56 aircrafts. As part of the Rs 21,935 crore deal, the fleet of C-295 aircrafts will replace the IAF’s ageing Avro-748 transport fleet.

Indian Air Force’s first C-295 transport aircraft left today for India from Spain. The aircraft is being flown by Group Captain PS Negi and will make stopovers in Malta, Egypt & Bahrain before reaching Vadodara in the next few days: IAF officials

The aircraft was received by… pic.twitter.com/z8w1wHpDl7

— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2023

How C-295 aircrafts will add power to ‘Make in India’

While taking possession of 1st aircraft in Seville, the IAF chief termed it a major milestone not just for IAF but for the whole nation.

“For IAF it improves our tactical airlift capabilities and for nation, it marks the beginning of a new era,” the IAF chief had said.

The fleet of military aircrafts, meant for incorporation in the Indian Air Force (IAF) will not only give it more teeth but will give big impetus to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Abhiyaan.

It may be noted that IAF is set to get 56 C-295 military aircrafts as per deal. Out of these 56, 16 aircrafts will be manufactured in Spain & delivered to India while 40 jets will be indigenously built at Vadodara manufacturing facility, as part of joint venture between Airbus & Tata.

PM Modi had laid the foundation stone of Vadodara manufacturing facility, in October 2022.

The aircraft has the capacity to fly upto 71 personnel or 45 paratroopers. It can fly at a high speed of 480 km/hr and is equipped with a rear door to enable quick para-dropping of troops & cargo.

The assembly of these aircrafts at Vadodara facility will not only enhance country’s technical prowess to build homegrown airlines but will generate many employment opportunities while opening new avenues for such ventures in future.