India's first C-295 aircraft formally inducted into IAF by Rajnath Singh

India's first C-295 transport aircraft was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on Monday, September 25, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The unveiling ceremony for the medium-lift tactical aircraft took place at the Hindon Airbase in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.

The induction marks an important moment in India's defence history as the air force now possesses aircraft capable of taking off and landing from unprepared landing grounds which will bolster the medium-lift tactical capability of the IAF and make India self-reliant.

Top military officials including IAF Chief Vir Chaudhari, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General VK Singh and Spain's Ambassador to India Jose Maria Ridao were also present during the unveiling.

The defence minister also got the opportunity to enter the coveted aircraft after performing a short religious ceremony outside during its formal induction.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ridao, speaking on behalf of Spain, said that the induction was proof that when Spain engages with one date, "we deliver the plan on that date."

Prior to its official induction today, the C-295 transport aircraft was received at the Vadodara airbase on September 20, a few days after it was formally handed over to the IAF in Spain.

Ridao added, "We don't see India only as a market in the defence industry. We see India as India with many other things. We think also about cultural relations, we think about trade, civil trade, we think also about visas and these kinds of things since India is a country in transition."

This induction is part of a project worth Rs 21,935 crore which includes 56 aircraft to be finalised in two years. Airline manufacturer Airbus is to deliver the initial 16 aircraft in "fly-away" condition by 2025 while the remaining 40 will be manufactured and assembled in India as a part of the Airbus-Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) collaboration.

The C-295 transport aircraft's key features include a strong payload capacity, a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots and retractable landing gear. For more details, check here.

The procurement of C-295 aircraft is pivotal for the IAF which is looking to retire its ageing Avro-748 planes that have been in service for over 60 years.

The global C-295 program has received orders from 39 operators, totalling 280 aircraft. In May, the first C-295 aircraft constructed for India successfully completed its maiden flight in Seville, with the second one currently in the final assembly phase, set to be delivered to the IAF in May 2024.

Extensive training for six IAF pilots and 20 technicians has already taken place at the Seville facility. The Vadodara-based final assembly line for the C-295 aircraft is scheduled to become operational in November 2024.