The Ministry of Defence India on Friday announced that it has struck a a big deal of over Rs 21,000 crore (around $3 billion) contract with Airbus Defence and Space (Spain). The India-Airbus deal is to acquire 56 C-295 medium transport aircraft to replace the old Avro planes of the IAF.
Highlights of India-Airbus (Indian Defence Ministry and Airbus ) for deal for Twin-Turboprop Aircraft
Key Highlights:
- Big step towards modernisation of IAF transport fleet
- 5-10 tonne capacity aircraft equipped with contemporary technology
- Airbus to also directly purchase eligible products & services from Indian Offset Partners
Unique opportunity for domestic private sector to enter into technology intensive aviation industry
Airbus will deliver 16 of the twin-turboprop C-295MW aircraft in a flyaway condition within four years to the Indian Airforce , with the remaining 40 being manufactured in India by the Tata Consortium under a joint industrial partnership within 10 years.
Historic Indian Defence Ministry deal with Airbus for twin-turboprop aircraft
After the delivery of the 56 aircraft, the subsequent planes manufactured here can be exported to countries cleared by the Indian government, said MoD officials.
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.
The project will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of the Government that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry.
Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract.
All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. After completion of the delivery, the subsequent aircraft manufactured in India can be exported to countries which are cleared by the Government of India.
The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. The program will also involve development of specialised infrastructure in the form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiway.
This programme is a unique initiative of the Government to strengthen the indigenous capabilities and boost ‘Make in India’.