SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
)
The skies over India are set to witness a changing of the guard as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to phase out its ageing fleet of Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Avro transport aircraft. These twin-turboprop veterans, serving the IAF since the 1960s, will gradually be replaced by the more modern and versatile Airbus C-295M transport aircraft.
The C-295M, with its faster deliveries spearheaded by Airbus Defence, is nearing the point where the trusty Avros will be deemed surplus to requirements. This transition marks a significant chapter in the evolution of the IAF’s transport capabilities.
Despite some Avro airframes boasting nearly 50% of their life remaining, the IAF appears uninterested in pursuing HAL’s proposed upgrade program with new engines and avionics. This initiative dubbed the “Super Avro,” aimed to extend Avro’s service life. However, with the C-295M Indian-made deliveries slated to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2031, the IAF seems set on a definitive retirement timeline for the Avros, likely starting post-2028.
The Avros have served the IAF diligently for decades, primarily in the troop transport role. However, their limitations, such as the lack of a ramp for cargo loading, have hampered their versatility. The C-295M, with its rear-ramp design and superior payload capacity, addresses these shortcomings and offers a wider range of operational possibilities.
The C-295M represents a significant leap forward for the IAF’s transport capabilities. With its enhanced performance, cargo handling capabilities, and advanced avionics, the C-295M will ensure the IAF remains equipped with a modern and dependable transport fleet. As the Avro era gracefully comes to a close, the C-295M heralds a new chapter in the IAF’s commitment to efficient and adaptable airlift operations.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.