C-295 transport aircraft induction in IAF today: Know features, specifications, other details

Defence minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force today. Top military officials including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari will also attend the event.    

“Today, 25th September, I shall be in Ghaziabad to attend the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a drone exhibition cum display event. Shall also attend the unveiling ceremony of the IAF’s first C- 295 MW transport aircraft at Hindon Airbase. Looking forward to it,” said Rajnath Singh in a post on X.

The C-295s will gradually replace IAF’s ageing Avro 748 fleet in 2030-31 period. The C-295s will boost IAF’s tactical airlift capability. 

The contract, amounting Rs 22,000 crore was signed in September 2021, between the Ministry of Defence and the European aerospace/defense major Airbus. Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India.

All you need to know about the C-295 transport aircraft:

• The military transport aircraft has a capacity of 10-tonnes and can speed up to a maximum of 480 kmph
• The C-295 MW can transport 71 troops, 50 paratroopers, five standard pallets and 24 healthcare units
• The C-295 can be used for mid-air refuelling of fixed wing aircrafts and helicopters
• The C-295 transport aircraft has the special capability of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) and can lift even from grass, soft or unpaved surfaces. It can take-off from just a 2,200-feet long airstrip too
• The aircraft that will be formally inducted in the IAF today comes equipped with indigenous radar warning receivers and missile approach warning systems, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. 
• The C-295s will have a countermeasure dispensing system, supplied by Bharat Dynamics Limited

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