C-295 Transport Aircraft Manufacturing Plant Inaugurated in India
Why in the news?
Prime Minister Modi and Spanish PM Sanchez inaugurated a C-295 aircraft manufacturing plant in Gujarat, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and promoting indigenous defence production.
Introduction to C-295 Transport Aircraft:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated a manufacturing plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, for the C-295 aircraft, marking India’s first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft.
- The C-295, originally produced by Airbus, was procured under a ₹21,935 crore deal signed in September 2021 to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 fleet from the early 1960s.
- The aircraft has a capacity of 5-10 tonnes, a maximum speed of 480 km/h, and features a rear ramp door for rapid troop and cargo deployment, enhancing the IAF’s air transport capabilities.
Significance for the Indian Air Force:
- The C-295 will strengthen the IAF’s medium-lift tactical capabilities, addressing the limitations of the existing Soviet-origin An-32 aircraft, which are nearing retirement.
- The IAF currently relies on the An-32 fleet for short-distance troop and supply transport, but with their ageing infrastructure, there’s an urgent need for more reliable alternatives.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that the C-295’s induction would enhance operational efficiency in transporting troops and materials across the country.
What is a C-295 MW Transporter:?
- About: The C-295 is a tactical transport aircraft with a 5-10 tonne capacity, known for its robust and reliable performance.
- Features:
- Flight endurance of up to 11 hours.
- Capable of multi-role operations in all weather conditions.
- Operates day and night in diverse environments, from deserts to maritime settings.
- Equipped with a rear ramp door for quick troop and cargo deployment.
- Allows short take-offs and landings on semi-prepared surfaces.
- Replacement: Will replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 fleet, which has a 6-tonne capacity.
- Project Execution:
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will assemble 40 aircraft in India under the Make-in-India initiative.
- Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft between September 2023 and August 2025.
Sources Referred:
PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times