SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the recent inauguration of the Tata Aircraft Complex for the production of Airbus C-295 aircraft in India, a new variant of the C295 platform was showcased, drawing significant attention to its potential to enhance India’s maritime patrol capabilities. The proposed modifications to the C295 platform aim to develop it into the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) and Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard and Navy. Equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, the new platforms represent a substantial boost for the country’s maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The MMMA and MRMR variants of the C295 are designed to meet the unique needs of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. This customization is a notable step in India’s ongoing efforts to build a robust Indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative. As part of this transformation, the weaponized C295 platform is expected to address the demand for multi-mission capabilities, offering a solution that combines surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities on a single, versatile airframe.
The weaponized C295 platform for maritime patrol can be equipped with multiple hard points, allowing it to carry advanced weapon systems. Key features include:
- Anti-Ship Missile Capability: The modified C295 can carry DRDO’s NASM-SR (Short-Range) and NASM-MR (Medium-Range) anti-ship missiles, providing a critical offensive capability for deterring and neutralizing surface threats. These missiles are designed for precision strikes against enemy vessels, enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities.
- Torpedo-Launching Capability: In addition to anti-ship missiles, the C295 platform will be able to deploy the Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL), developed by the DRDO. The TAL torpedo is capable of engaging and neutralizing underwater threats, such as enemy submarines, enhancing the platform’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- Sonobuoy Deployment: The C295 is expected to be equipped with air-launched sonobuoys, essential for maritime surveillance and submarine detection. Sonobuoys play a critical role in tracking and locating submarines, ensuring the platform’s effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare missions.
The addition of the MMMA and MRMR variants based on the C295 will be a significant enhancement for India’s maritime patrol fleet, which has relied on platforms such as the Boeing P-8I for long-range maritime reconnaissance. The C295’s medium-range capabilities complement the P-8I, offering cost-effective, versatile options for missions that require both flexibility and endurance.
India’s maritime interests span from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, and securing these waters requires a dedicated patrol and reconnaissance presence. The modified C295, with its ability to conduct extended missions and provide real-time intelligence and targeting, will serve as a valuable addition to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s operational fleets.
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