SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to welcome its 12th C-295 transport aircraft, bearing the serial number CA-7112, as it makes its journey from Airbus’s facility in Seville, Spain, to India. This milestone marks another step in the IAF’s ambitious modernization program, which includes the acquisition of 56 C-295 aircraft to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet under a ?21,935-crore deal signed with Airbus Defence and Space in 2021.
The C-295, a versatile medium-lift tactical transport aircraft, is designed to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities, particularly in challenging terrains like India’s Northeast and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Capable of carrying up to 9 tonnes of payload, 71 personnel, or 45 paratroopers, the aircraft excels in missions ranging from troop transport and airdropping to medical evacuation and logistics support on unprepared airstrips. Its rear ramp and ability to operate in diverse conditions make it a game-changer for India’s defence forces.
The delivery of CA-7112 is part of the initial batch of 16 aircraft being supplied in flyaway condition from Spain, with the remaining 40 to be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at a new facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. The Vadodara plant, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2024, represents a landmark in India’s push for self-reliance in aerospace, with the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 expected to roll out by September 2026. This initiative not only strengthens the IAF but also boosts local industry, with over 13,000 parts and major assemblies being produced domestically.
The arrival of the 12th C-295 underscores the steady progress of the program, with Airbus maintaining its delivery schedule—set to complete the flyaway batch by August 2025. Posts on X have captured the excitement around CA-7112’s journey, reflecting public enthusiasm for India’s growing defence capabilities. Once integrated, the aircraft will join the IAF’s No. 11 Squadron, ‘The Rhinos,’ based in Vadodara, further enhancing the force’s tactical airlift capacity.
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