IAF to acquire 56 C-295MW transport aircraft from Airbus, Spain
24 Sep 2021
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The defence ministry on Friday signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The minister also signed an offset contract with AirbusDefence and Space under which Airbus will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian offset partners.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had, earlier this month, accorded approval for signing the contract.
The induction of C-295MW will be a significant step towards modernisation of the transport fleet of Indian Air Force. The 5-10 tonne capacity transport aircraft, with contemporary technology, will replace the ageing Avro transport fleet of IAF.
The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo. The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The project will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of the government that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry.
Out of the 56 aircraft, forty 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. After completion of the delivery, the subsequent aircraft manufactured in India can be exported to countries which are cleared by the Government of India.
The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over 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.
This programme is a unique initiative of the government to strengthen the indigenous capabilities and boost ‘Make in India’.
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