SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant step toward deepening defense ties, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) have embarked on a collaborative initiative centered on the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft. Under this agreement, Vietnamese technical personnel will receive specialized training from the IAF to enhance their familiarity with the C-295M, a versatile medium tactical airlifter. This cooperation not only strengthens bilateral relations but also positions India as a regional hub for C-295 maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), offering a strategic advantage to operators worldwide.
The VPAF currently operates three C-295M aircraft, which have proven their worth in tactical transport, humanitarian missions, and disaster response. Meanwhile, the IAF is poised to become the world’s largest operator of the type, with 56 C-295MW units on order as part of a ?21,935-crore deal signed in 2021 with Airbus Defence and Space. The first seven IAF aircraft have already been delivered from Seville, Spain, with the remaining nine of the initial 16 flyaway units expected by August 2025. From September 2026, Tata Advanced Systems Limited will manufacture the remaining 40 aircraft at a state-of-the-art Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking India’s first private-sector military aircraft production.
The shared operation of the C-295 provides a natural foundation for collaboration. The IAF’s training program will equip VPAF technicians with hands-on expertise in the aircraft’s systems, maintenance protocols, and operational nuances. Conducted at IAF facilities, likely including Vadodara and Hindan Air Base, the training will cover critical areas such as avionics, turboprop engine maintenance, and cargo handling. This exchange not only enhances Vietnam’s operational efficiency but also fosters interoperability, enabling potential joint missions in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, or regional security operations.
A key pillar of this cooperation is India’s ambition to establish a world-class MRO facility for the C-295. As part of the Airbus-Tata contract, a D-level (depot-level) MRO hub is being developed in India, expected to be operational before the completion of IAF deliveries in 2031. This facility, likely co-located with the Vadodara FAL, will offer comprehensive services, including major overhauls, component repairs, and upgrades for the C-295’s airframe, Pratt & Whitney PW127G engines, and avionics suite.
The MRO hub’s strategic significance extends beyond India’s borders. With over 300 C-295s ordered globally by operators in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, India’s facility is poised to become a regional center of excellence. Vietnamese C-295s, for instance, could leverage the hub for routine maintenance or major repairs, reducing downtime and costs compared to sending aircraft to Europe. The facility’s proximity to Southeast Asia, combined with India’s cost-competitive labor and growing aerospace expertise, makes it an attractive option for operators seeking reliable, high-quality servicing.
This collaboration marks a new chapter in India-Vietnam defense relations, building on a partnership strengthened by shared concerns over regional security and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both nations have a history of military cooperation, including joint naval exercises and Indian support for Vietnam’s defense modernization through credit lines for patrol boats and training programs. The C-295 initiative adds a new dimension, aligning with India’s Act East Policy and Vietnam’s interest in diversifying its defense partnerships.
For the IAF, training VPAF personnel showcases its growing expertise and leadership in operating advanced platforms. The No. 11 Squadron (“The Rhinos”), based in Vadodara, has already integrated the C-295MW into its operations, conducting missions ranging from tactical airlift to high-altitude resupply in Ladakh. Sharing this experience with Vietnam not only builds goodwill but also positions India as a mentor to regional air forces, enhancing its soft power.
The MRO hub, meanwhile, aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. By servicing C-295s for international operators, India can generate revenue, create high-skill jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign MRO providers. The facility could also support India’s plans to export C-295s to civil operators or friendly nations after IAF deliveries are complete, positioning the country as a competitor in the global aerospace market.
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