IAF recieved its Final 16th C-295 & What lies Ahead.

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IAF Receives 16th C‑295: A Turning Point for India’s Tactical Airlift & ‘Make in India or indegenous production’ Vision

Key Milestone Achieved

On August 2, 2025, India officially received the 16th and final Airbus‑built C‑295 aircraft from Spain—delivered two months ahead of schedule,a testament to efficient timelines and strategic execution

 Why It Matters

Fleet Modernization:The C‑295 is set to replace the aging HS‑748 Avro fleet, which has served the IAF since the 1960s—ushering in a new era of tactical airlift with modern capabilities .

Operational Efficiency: The aircraft features a rear-loading ramp, extended 11‑hour flight endurance, and capacity to carry up to \~9 tons or 71 troops—vital for high-altitude, rapid deployment, and humanitarian missions.

From Import to Indigenous Production

The first 16 units were manufactured in Seville, Spain, under the 2021 contract for 56 C‑295s

 Now, the baton moves to India: 40 more aircraft will be assembled domestically at the TASL Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, inaugurated October 2024 by PM Modi and Spain’s PM Sanchez ([AP News][4]).

The first Indian-made C‑29 is expected to roll out in September 2026.

Strategic & Economic Impact

 The transition underscores India’s

Indian Indegenous drive—to not just import, but to manufacture and sustain nationally.

 The project spurs technology transfer, builds local supply ecosystems, and is estimated to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly via MSMEs across Vadodara, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and beyond

What Lies Ahead

Delivery of the Spain-built C‑295s is now complete, and focus shifts to scaling up

domestic production and integration.

 Meanwhile, India is further bolstering its transport fleet: talks are underway to acquire up to 10 additional C‑295s,potentially expanding the tally beyond 56 to 66 or more, depending on strategic needs.

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