New Airbus Transporters To Replace Air Force Avros Inducted 60 Years Ago

The C-295MW will replace the IAF's Avro military transport aircraft of British origin.

The government today approved a deal with Airbus Defence and Space of Spain to buy 56 C-295MW transport aircraft, replacing Indian Air Force planes inducted some 60 years ago. Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security, the contract will involve the Tata consortium manufacturing most of the units. The military transport aircraft will replace the ageing Avros of Indian Air Force, according to a Press Information Bureau release. This could potentially cost between Rs 20,000 crore and Rs 21,000 crore, although it will depend on the exchange rate, sources said. Sixteen C-295MWs will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of signing the contract while the Tatas will make 40 of them within 10 years, according to the release. "This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company," it said.