India has agreed to purchase 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force (IAF) AVRO fleet. It will be the first ‘Make in India’ aerospace programme in the private sector, which will involve full development of the complete industrial ecosystem from manufacturing to assembly, testing and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the aircraft.

Airbus will deliver the initial 16 aircraft over a four year period in fly away condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain. The other 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India as part of an industrial partnership between the companies. All the IAF C295s will be handed over in transport configuration and equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.

With a capability of operating from short or unprepared airstrips, the C295 is used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and for logistic operations to locations that are not accessible to current heavier aircraft. It can airdrop paratroops and loads and also be used for casualty or medevac, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis, using either basic litters or mobile intensive care units with life support equipment.

The IAF becomes the 35th C295 operator worldwide, with the programme reaching 278 aircraft, 200 of which are already in operation and have booked more than half a million flight-hours.

“This contract will support the further development of India's aerospace ecosystem, bringing investment and 15,000 skilled direct jobs and 10,000 indirect positions over the coming 10 years,” says Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “The C295 has proven again as the segment leader, and with the addition of India as a new operator, the type will enlarge its footprint even more, not only on the operational aspects but on its own industrial and technological development.”

Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Advanced Systems Limited comments: “This is a moment of pride for Tatas and a milestone for the Indian military manufacturing ecosystem. For the first time, an Indian private company will be wholly manufacturing an aircraft in India. This endeavour demonstrates Tata Advanced Systems' capabilities as a defence manufacturer to build globally competitive complex platforms in India.”

'Make in India' is a key element of Airbus strategy in India, with the company increasing the country's contribution to its global product portfolio.