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Source: This post on India to Procure Additional C-295 Aircraft has been created based on the article “India to procure 15 more C-295 aircraft; 12 to be built at home” published in The Hindu on 28th October 2024.
Why in news?
India plans to procure 15 additional C-295 aircraft from Airbus. This expands on the existing order of 56 aircraft, of which 12 of the new aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), while three will be delivered in fly-away condition.
About C-295 Aircraft
1. C-295 Aircraft Specifications: The C-295 is a tactical airlift aircraft with a 9.5-tonne payload capacity, suitable for versatile air transport missions in all weather conditions, day and night.
2. Electronic Warfare Suite: All 56 aircraft will include an indigenously manufactured Electronic Warfare Suite, produced by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited, enhancing tactical resilience.
3. Local Production Milestones: The first six of the 40 domestically manufactured aircraft will feature 48% indigenous content, gradually increasing to 75% for the last 24 aircraft.
4. Component Manufacturing in India: Of the 14,000 parts in each aircraft, 13,000 will be produced in India, with structural parts sourced domestically by 37 identified companies, including 33 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
5. Technical Specifications of the C295:
| Specification | Description |
| Capacity | The C295MW is capable of carrying 5-10 tonnes of cargo. |
| Speed | It reaches a maximum speed of 480 km/h. |
| Unique Features | i) Rear ramp door for rapid deployment and para-dropping of troops and cargo. ii) Short take-off and landing (STOL) ability, even on semi-prepared runways. iii) It has spacious 12.7-meter cabin and the longest in its class, with a 71-seat capacity. iv) It is operational in diverse Terrain Operation including: a) South America’s jungles and mountains (Brazil and Colombia). b) Middle Eastern deserts (Algeria and Jordan). c) Cold climates in Europe (Poland and Finland). d) Military engagements in Chad, Iraq, and Afghanistan. |
| Additional Applications | i) Medical evacuation and casualty transport. ii) Special mission execution. iii) Disaster response and maritime patrol duties. |
Strategic Importance
Replacement for Legacy Aircraft: The C-295 fleet will replace the aging HS-748 Avro aircraft currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Domestic Manufacturing Facilities: The approval for the main component assembly facility in Hyderabad was granted in February 2024, highlighting the growth of India’s aerospace and defense infrastructure.
Employment and Skill Development
Job Creation: The project is projected to generate approximately 600 highly skilled direct jobs, over 3,000 indirect jobs, and an additional 3,000 medium-skill opportunities.
Skill Transfer and Workforce Development: Airbus’s production processes will transfer to India, with the initial indigenization level set at 78% for the first five aircraft, rising to 96% for the remaining 35 aircraft.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence)
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