India’s Strategic Move: Seeking 10 New Airbus C-295 Aircraft to Enhance Indigenous Fleet Modernization

India is considering adding 10 more Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft to its order of 71. This move is part of a larger plan to update its aging fleet with aircraft made locally. The C-295 project highlights India’s commitment to boosting its own defense manufacturing capability and strengthens the alliance between Airbus and Tata Group, especially after opening their assembly line in Gujarat last year.

In 2021, the Indian government signed a deal worth $2.52 billion for 56 C-295 planes for the Air Force. They later approved 15 additional aircraft for the navy and coast guard. Now, discussions are underway to increase the 2024 order by 10 aircraft, with one source indicating that these would also be for the Indian Air Force.

Laxman Behera, a defense expert from Jawaharlal Nehru University, commented on the Air Force’s significant need for transport aircraft. “They require a lot of aircraft to meet their operational demands,” he said.

Details on the talks are still confidential, and neither Airbus nor Tata Advanced Systems provided comments on this matter. The Indian Ministry of Defence also did not respond to inquiries.

Based on the previous deal’s value, this potential additional order could be worth approximately $1.1 billion. India, known as the world’s largest arms importer, is keen to develop its domestic production capabilities, especially with growing military pressure from neighboring China.

The C-295 is a versatile aircraft, capable of transporting up to 70 troops or eight tonnes of cargo. It can also perform crucial missions like airborne warning, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Airbus has noted that the Indian Air Force will become the world’s largest operator of the C-295, with all structural components being produced in India.

There is a strong indication that the Indian government will place even more orders for C-295s. According to an industry source, New Delhi is eyeing up to 75 additional units beyond the initial 56 ordered in 2021. Sixteen of the 2021 aircraft are set to arrive from Airbus in Spain, while the rest will be assembled at the Tata facility in India, expected to be completed by 2031.

If the new aircraft can be produced at the Gujarat assembly line, that would streamline operations. However, if a quicker delivery is a priority for New Delhi, some units may still need to come from Spain.

The C-295 is replacing India’s old fleet of 56 Avro HS-748 aircraft, which have been in service since 1961. This transition is critical as the Indian Air Force faces slow deliveries of fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics, highlighting the need for accelerated production and opening warplane manufacturing to private companies for greater competition.