India Eyes 10 More Airbus C-295s as IAF Expands Transport Fleet Revamp

India is in discussions to acquire an additional 10 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, further expanding its ambitious fleet modernization plan. This move comes after the government's 2021 deal for 56 C-295s for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and a subsequent initial approval last year for 15 more aircraft for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. If finalized, this latest expansion would bring the total number of C-295s ordered in 2024 to 25, potentially amounting to a contract worth around $1.1 billion.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the additional 10 aircraft are intended for the IAF, which has an urgent need to strengthen its transport capabilities. Defence expert Laxman Behera from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi pointed out that the IAF requires a large number of aircraft to meet its operational demands. The defence ministry, Airbus, and Tata Advanced Systems—Airbus' local partner for manufacturing—have declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.

India has been the world’s largest arms importer for decades but is aggressively pushing for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The C-295 project is a significant part of this effort, as Airbus has confirmed that all structural components of the aircraft are being produced in India. This initiative aligns with New Delhi’s strategy of reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while addressing capability gaps in its military.

The C-295 is a highly versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 70 troops or eight tonnes of cargo. It can also be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and airborne warning missions, making it a crucial asset for both military and strategic operations.

With 16 of the 56 aircraft from the original deal being produced at Airbus’ Spanish facility, the remaining aircraft will be assembled at the Airbus-Tata facility in India, located in Gujarat. However, if India wants faster deliveries, some of the newly purchased C-295s might still be sourced from Spain.

The C-295 is replacing India’s ageing fleet of Avro HS-748 aircraft, which have been in service since 1961. The IAF chief has recently expressed concerns over the slow pace of fighter jet deliveries from state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), pushing for increased production speeds and greater private sector participation in warplane manufacturing. This aligns with India’s broader defence strategy of modernizing its air fleet while reducing dependency on state-run manufacturers.

Meanwhile, industry insiders suggest that New Delhi’s long-term plans may involve procuring up to 75 additional C-295s beyond the original 2021 order, signaling a significant shift toward a modernized and self-reliant air transport capability.