India Receives Final Airbus C-295 Military Aircraft from Spain

India has now taken delivery of the final Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft out of the 16 ordered from Spain. The handover took place at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly site in Seville. The event was attended by Indian Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K. Patnaik, along with top officials from the Indian Air Force. According to a post shared by the Indian Embassy in Spain on Saturday, the delivery was completed two months earlier than planned. This marks a key moment in India’s efforts to improve its defence strength.

C-295: A Multi-Purpose and Reliable Aircraft

The Airbus C-295 is known for its strong build and flexibility. It can handle a wide range of missions such as moving troops and equipment, maritime patrol, medical evacuations, VIP transport, and even firefighting. It also supports tasks like intelligence gathering, surveillance, and close air support during combat.

The aircraft has a great record of dependability. With over 300 units ordered globally, it is considered one of the best multi-role tactical transport aircraft in use today. Its consistent performance makes it a dependable choice for both military and emergency tasks.

Airbus calls the C-295 a “workhorse” due to its adaptability and strong design. It is used not only by armed forces but also by government agencies and aid organizations across the world.

A Boost for ‘Make in India’ Defence Project

This aircraft delivery is also an example of the growing defence cooperation between India and Spain. As part of a USD 2.5 billion agreement, India is purchasing 56 C-295 planes from Airbus Spain. Out of these, 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems, making it the first ‘Make in India’ project in the defence aircraft sector.

The first C-295 aircraft was delivered to India on September 13, 2023, during a ceremony held in Seville. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the event was attended by Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, the head of the Indian Air Force.

This development is not just a step forward for India's air transport capabilities but also a sign of deeper defence ties and manufacturing growth under India's self-reliance mission.