India’s first C-295 MW transport aircraft – On 13 September 2023, India received the first C-295 MW transport aircraft. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhari participated in the formal handing over ceremony of the first C-295 MW transport aircraft at Seville in Spain. Airbus formally handed over the aircraft to the IAF.
- India formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet. Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in fly-away condition from its final assembly line at Seville as per the agreement.
- 40 aircraft are to be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.
- The process also includes manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft.
- The C-295 will be used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, and for conducting logistic operations to locations that are not accessible for heavier aircraft.