C295

The Airbus C295 is the undisputed benchmark in its category, having received hundreds of orders from 39 countries spanning four continents. The Indian Air Force is the largest customer, with 56 units on order, 40 of which are being manufactured locally in Vadodara by Tata Advanced Systems as part of the “Make in India” initiative. The global fleet has accumulated over 750,000 flight hours in some of the world's most challenging operational environments.

Yes. A core feature of the C295 is its exceptional Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capability. It is engineered to operate safely from soft, sandy or grass airstrips as short as 670 metres. The ruggedized landing gear is fitted with low-pressure tyres specifically to handle austere, semi-prepared environments such as desert landing zones or remote jungle clearings.

The C295 provides highly efficient cabin volume and payload capabilities for its class:

• Troop transport: Accommodates up to 71 personnel.
• Paratroopers: Configurable for up to 50 jumpers.
• Maximum payload: Capable of lifting up to 9 tonnes (9,000 kg) of cargo.
• Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC): Configured for 24 stretchers and 7 medical attendants.

Designed as a multi-mission aircraft, the C295 is highly versatile and quickly reconfigurable. Its mission spectrum includes tactical airlift, cargo transport, paratrooping, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), maritime patrol (MPA), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). 

Yes. Airbus developed an Armed ISR variant designed to provide close air support for ground assets and installations. The aircraft can be equipped with a 27 mm or 30 mm autocannon mounted behind the side door, as well as laser-guided rockets and missiles integrated via underwing hardpoints. 

Yes, the aircraft offers dual-role refuelling capabilities. It can be equipped with a removable, roll-on/roll-off kit to act as a tanker, delivering up to 5,000 kg of fuel to helicopters and slow-moving platforms. Conversely, it can also feature a receiver probe to take on fuel mid-air, significantly extending its standard 11-hour flight endurance. 

FITS stands for Fully Integrated Tactical System. Developed by Airbus, it serves as the central processing architecture for the maritime patrol and surveillance variants. FITS seamlessly integrates real-time data from radar, electro-optical/infra-red sensors and sonobuoys into a single tactical interface, giving operators complete situational awareness across land or maritime environments. 

India is the largest customer for the C295, with a landmark order for 56 aircraft. Under a strategic "Make in India" partnership, 16 aircraft were delivered in flyaway condition from Airbus’ final assembly line in Seville, Spain, while the remaining 40 units are being manufactured locally in Vadodara, in the Indian state of Gujarat, by Tata Advanced Systems Limited. This marks the first time a private company has manufactured a military aircraft within India. 

The C295 features a standard cruise speed of 260 knots (approximately 480 km/h). It delivers an operational range of roughly 1,500 km when carrying its maximum 9-tonne payload, or an extended ferry range exceeding 5,000 km when empty. 

The aircraft is deployed worldwide by nations such as Canada and Thailand for critical search and rescue (SAR) missions. It is outfitted with oversized bubble windows for visual observers, a 360-degree search radar and an operational rear ramp that can be safely opened in flight to deploy life rafts, emergency survival kits or humanitarian supplies.