C-295MW Transport Aircraft

Context

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Vadodara transport aircraft manufacturing facility on October 30.

This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.
16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition and 40 will be manufactured in India by the Indian Aircraft Contractor, TATA Consortium of Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Tata Consultancy Services.
In September 2021, Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space S.A.
The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025.
The first Made in India aircraft is expected in September 2026.
The aircraft can be used for civilian purposes also.
All 56 aircraft will be fitted with indigenous Electronic Warfare suite of Indian DPSUs – Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited.
After completion of delivery of 56 aircraft to IAF, M/s Airbus Defence & Space will be allowed to sell the aircraft manufactured in India to civil operators and export to countries which are cleared by the Government of India.

Promote Atmanirbhar Bharat: This will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ as it offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into the technology-intensive and highly competitive aviation Industry.
Private Participation: This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.
Boost to the aerospace ecosystem in India: as a large number of detail parts, sub-assemblies and major component assemblies of aerostructure were scheduled to be manufactured in India.
Boost to MSME Sector in India: As several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises spread over the country would be involved in the manufacturing parts of the aircraft.
Employment Generation: The program will act as a catalyst in employment generation in the aerospace ecosystem of the country.
Infrastructure development: It will involve the development of specialized infrastructure in form of hangars, buildings, aprons, and taxiways.

C-295MW is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF.
It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.
It can carry around 40-45 paratroopers or around 70 passengers.
Short take-off/land from semi-prepared surfaces is another of its features.
The aircraft will strengthen the logistic capabilities of the IAF.