In an aviation milestone that has aviation enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has just welcomed the C-295, its latest transport aircraft, to its ranks. This remarkable aircraft, delivered as part of the ₹21,935 crore ‘Make in India’ initiative, soared into Vadodara’s skies with unparalleled grace, setting the stage for its imminent induction into the IAF’s fleet next week.
The distinguished Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, at the helm of the IAF, personally received the C-295 aircraft during a ceremony held at Airbus’ San Pablo site in Seville, Spain. A moment of immense pride, this acquisition underscores India’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and bolstering its defence manufacturing capabilities.
Flown to Vadodara by a dedicated joint IAF-Airbus crew, the C-295 is set to shine as the focal point of the upcoming Air Force Day parade. The Vadodara air base, a name soon to be synonymous with the C-295, will witness the formation of the IAF’s inaugural squadron of tactical airlifters.
One cannot understate the significance of the C-295 for the IAF. These state-of-the-art aircrafts are poised to revolutionise the air force’s logistical capabilities, answering the call of duty in forward areas, especially those in close proximity to the contested border with China. As they step in, the C-295s will gracefully retire the aging Avro transport aircrafts, the venerable workhorses that first took to the skies in the early 1960s.
On September 25, the first C-295 aircraft is set to be formally inducted into the IAF’s elite fleet at the largest airbase in Asia, the Hindon air base in Uttar Pradesh. The grand stage will then be set for the aircraft’s participation in this year’s Air Force Day parade in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on October 8, marking the 91st anniversary of the IAF.
The birth of this game-changing C-295 squadron will find its home in Vadodara, strategically situated close to the production facility. Each squadron will comprise 10 to 12 of these marvels of aviation engineering.
This triumph is the culmination of years of dedication and collaboration. The journey began with the signing of a contract between the defence ministry and Airbus for an impressive fleet of 56 planes. Executed jointly by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus, this program will see 16 aircraft delivered by Airbus in a flyaway condition, with the rest meticulously assembled in India at the Tata facility in Vadodara.
The story continues with the second C-295 currently undergoing its final assembly in Seville, destined to reach Indian skies in May 2024. The grand finale to this high-flying endeavour is slated for August 2025 when the last of the 16 flyaway aircraft is handed over to the IAF.
The ‘Made in India’ C-295s will start rolling out from the Vadodara facility in September 2026, ensuring that the skies remain secure with these marvels of modern aviation engineering until August 2031.
The arrival of the C-295 is not just an aviation story; it’s a testament to India’s commitment to technological advancement, self-reliance, and the safeguarding of its national interests in the air and beyond.
As we eagerly await its official induction, the C-295 stands as a symbol of aviation excellence and India’s dedication to reaching new heights in the world of aerospace.