India Receives Final C-295 Transport Aircraft from Spain: A Strategic Leap in Defence Modernisation

India has marked a pivotal moment in its defence modernisation journey with the successful delivery of the final C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus’ Seville facility in Spain. The aircraft, handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on August 2, 2025, is the sixteenth and last unit of the initial foreign-built batch under the landmark ₹21,935 crore defence contract. This milestone not only fulfills the first leg of the ambitious C-295 programme but also shifts the focus to indigenous production under India’s growing “Make in India” initiative.

India's ambassador to Spain Dinesh K. Patnaik along with senior officials from Indian Air Force poses for a group picture while receiving the last of the 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville, Spain. (@IndiainSpain) | Hindustan Times

The Strategic Significance of the C-295 Programme

Signed in September 2021, the contract between India and Airbus Defence and Space involves the procurement of 56 C-295MW aircraft. These aircraft are set to replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of British-origin Avro HS-748 planes, many of which have been in service since the 1960s. The C-295s offer a modern, tactical transport platform capable of addressing diverse logistical and operational needs in India’s varied geography—from mountainous regions to coastal zones.

The deal stipulated that the first 16 aircraft would be manufactured in Spain and delivered in a fly-away condition, while the remaining 40 would be produced in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Airbus. Remarkably, the Spanish batch has been delivered ahead of schedule, a rare occurrence in global defence procurements, demonstrating the efficiency of execution on both sides.

Vadodara: Home to India’s First Private-Sector Military Aircraft Plant

The spotlight now turns to Vadodara, Gujarat, where the indigenous assembly of the remaining 40 C-295 aircraft is underway. The foundation for India’s first-ever military aircraft manufacturing facility in the private sector was laid in October 2024, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

This facility is expected to deliver its first Indian-assembled aircraft by September 2026, with the final delivery slated for August 2031. The plant represents a significant step forward in localising high-end defence manufacturing, an ambition that has long eluded the Indian aerospace sector dominated by public sector undertakings. For the first time, a tactical military aircraft will be produced by an Indian private firm—marking a transformative shift in India’s industrial and strategic capabilities.

Aircraft Features: A Tactical Workhorse for Indian Defence

The C-295 is a highly versatile aircraft tailored for tactical and logistical operations. It can carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and is capable of operating from semi-prepared or unpaved airstrips. Its ability to perform a range of missions—from troop transport to medical evacuation, maritime surveillance, and disaster relief—makes it a crucial addition to the IAF’s capabilities.

The aircraft has already been inducted into the IAF’s No. 11 Squadron, known as the “Charging Rhinos,” based in Agra. It plays a vital role in training special forces and para-commandos and is expected to significantly bolster operational readiness in forward areas.

Expanding Horizons: Indigenous Ecosystem and Future Orders

The partnership between Airbus and Tata is not limited to final assembly. Airbus has committed to sourcing over 13,000 parts and components per aircraft from India, creating a robust supply chain involving more than 100 Indian MSMEs and Tier-1 suppliers. The level of indigenous content is projected to increase progressively, reaching up to 75% in later batches.

Furthermore, India is eyeing expansion of the C-295 platform beyond the IAF. Reports suggest that the Indian Navy is exploring a maritime surveillance variant, while the Indian Coast Guard has shown interest in a multi-mission maritime configuration. These future orders could be routed through the same Vadodara facility, cementing India’s role as a regional production hub for tactical aircraft.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Indian Aerospace Manufacturing

The delivery of the final C-295 from Spain marks more than the completion of a contract—it represents the successful beginning of a new era in Indian defence aviation. As the baton passes from Seville to Vadodara, India moves closer to achieving self-reliance in military aircraft production, while also building capacity to serve regional and global partners.

This achievement is a testament to the growing confidence of global OEMs in India’s industrial potential and to the Indian government’s commitment to transforming the country into a global defence manufacturing powerhouse. As the indigenous production of the C-295 gains momentum in the coming years, India’s aerospace ecosystem is set to take off in ways never seen before.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, The Print)