IAF to Receive First Made-in-India C295 in September 2026

The Indian Air Force is scheduled to receive its first Made-in-India C295 transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, on 22-23 September 2026. The aircraft is part of a 56-aircraft procurement contract signed by the Ministry of Defence with Airbus in September 2021.

C295 Transport Aircraft

The C295 is a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft used for tactical airlift, troop transport, and logistics missions. The aircraft has a rear ramp for loading cargo and can operate from short and semi-prepared runways.

India’s C295 Manufacturing Programme

The programme is being executed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus at a Final Assembly Line in Vadodara. Under the contract, 16 aircraft are delivered in fly-away condition from Seville, Spain, and 40 aircraft are manufactured and assembled in India.

Replacement of Avro Fleet

The Made-in-India C295 aircraft will replace the Indian Air Force’s Avro transport aircraft, which entered service in the early 1960s. The Avro HS 748 was manufactured in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Industrial and Delivery Details

The first India-manufactured C295 completed its maiden test flight from the Vadodara final assembly line in June 2026. The remaining 39 Made-in-India aircraft are scheduled for delivery by August 2031.

Important Facts for Exams

• The C295 is produced by Airbus Defence and Space and is used by several air forces for tactical transport roles.
• The Ministry of Defence signed the C295 contract in September 2021 for 56 aircraft.
• The Final Assembly Line for the C295 is located in Vadodara, Gujarat.
• The Indian Air Force is expected to become the world’s largest operator of the C295 after full deliveries.

Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The C295 programme is linked with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The local content in later units is planned to rise from 48% to 75%.