Centre clears 56 C-295 transport aircraft deal for IAF

New Delhi, Sept 9: In a major boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Indian Air Force, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared procurement of 56 transport aircraft from Airbus of Spain. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.

 

While the first 16 of these aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain, within 48 months of the contract being signed, the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India by a consortium led by the Tata Group over 10 years. C-295MW aircraft is a transport aircraft of 5-10 Tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the aging Avro aircraft of IAF. The aircraft has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.

 

 

The Defence Ministry called it a “unique initiative to strengthen indigenous capabilities”. All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft.

 

 

The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. It will also augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports.

 

 

The project will also generate employment in the aerospace ecosystem of the country. It is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3000 indirect jobs, and an additional 3000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 42.5 lakh man hours of work within the aerospace and defense sector of India.