SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering acquiring additional C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft to supplement and eventually replace its fleet of Soviet-era AN-32 turboprop transport aircraft. According to sources close to the Hindustan Times, the IAF is drawn to the C-295’s capabilities and its potential to meet the service’s evolving requirements.
The C-295, with its 5-10-tonne payload capacity, offers a comparable capability to the AN-32, which has been a workhorse for the IAF. As the AN-32 fleet ages, the IAF plans to begin retiring these aircraft starting in 2030. The C-295, with its production line set to continue until around 2032, presents a viable replacement option.
The IAF has already placed orders for 56 C-295s, with 16 to be manufactured in Spain by Airbus and the remaining 40 to be produced in India. In addition to the IAF, the Indian Coast Guard is likely to acquire six C-295 Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft variants. Furthermore, there is potential for follow-on orders from paramilitary organizations such as the Border Security Force.