The Indian cabinet committee for security cleared the purchase of 56 C-295 MW turboprop transport aircraft on September 8, 2021.

The Airbus C-295s will replace the Indian Air Force’s aging Avro-748 transport aircraft fleet.

The first 16 aircraft from the total order will arrive from Spain in flyaway condition within two years from the commencement of the contractual period. The remaining 40 aircraft are planned to be manufactured by Tata Consortium within ten years of signing the contract. 

“This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company,” stated a document released by the Indian Ministry of Defense.

The C-295 transport aircraft has a 7-tonne capacity and a rear ramp door facilitating para-dropping capability for troops and cargo.

“Before completion of deliveries, ‘D’ Level servicing facility (MRO) for C-295MW aircraft are scheduled to be set up in India,” the document further added. “It is expected that this facility will act as a regional MRO hub for various variants of C-295 aircraft.”

The program is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative by the central government to boost the national economy.