Tata-Airbus to deliver first C-295 aircraft in 2026
New Delhi: Indian Air Force will get the first C-295 transport aircraft through readymade condition from Spain-based Airbus next year.
On October 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility at Vadodara in Gujarat, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said.
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Airbus will deliver all 16 aircraft by 2025 to the Indian Air Force.
In September 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed Cabinet Committee on Security had given go-ahead for the procurement of 56 C-295 transport aircraft worth Rs 21,900 crore.
Of which 16 to be procured in readymade condition while remaining 40 will be manufactured in India. These aircraft will be made in a consortium of Tata and Airbus.
Airbus to hand over first C-295 aircraft in 2023 in flyway condition
Ajay Kumar also stated that the first Made-in-India C-295 aircraft will be delivered in 2026 and all 40 by 2031. Every year a total of 8 aircraft will be produced, he added.
“Apart from making 40 aircraft, this facility at Vadodara in Gujarat would be manufacturing additional aircraft for Air Force requirements and exports," Ajay Kumar told mediapersons here on Thursday.
A couple of days ago, Spain major Airbus had announced that it has received approval from the Indian regulator for its C295 aircraft programme.
The new facility would make more than 13400 detail parts, 4600 sub-assemblies and all seven major component assemblies, including nose fuselage, outer wings, centre wing box, centre fuselage, rear fuselage, doors and empennage.
“The manufacturing of aircraft presents unique opportunities for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry. The project will involve around 125 MSMEs spread over seven states,” Ajay Kumar added.
PM Modi to lay foundation stone for C-295 plant in Gujarat
It will be a 5-10 ton capacity aircraft with the state-of-the-art technology. A total of 72 passengers or 44 paratroopers or 24 stretchers, can be carried.
The aircraft is capable of short take-off and landing from semi-prepared surfaces. BEL and BDL made Electronic Warfare Suite will be fitted into the aircraft.
IAF will raise its C-295 first squadron in Vadodara next year. The C-295 fleet will gradually replace the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ageing Avro fleet.
