Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract.
Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium.
The induction of C-295MW will be a significant step towards modernisation of the transport fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF.
The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops & cargo.
The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.