IAF to showcases C-295 transport aircraft upcoming Air Force Day

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to showcase its latest addition, the C-295 transport aircraft, as the centerpiece of the upcoming Air Force Day parade. This significant development comes as the IAF prepares to raise its first squadron of these tactical airlifters at the Vadodara air base in Gujarat, a move that will significantly enhance the nation’s logistical capabilities for both domestic and forward area operations.

The C-295 is poised to replace the IAF’s aging fleet of Avro transport aircraft, which has served the force since the early 1960s. The Avro’s retirement is long overdue, and the introduction of the C-295 marks a crucial step towards modernizing the IAF’s transport capabilities.

The acquisition of the C-295 is part of a ?21,935-crore Make in India project aimed at upgrading the IAF’s transport fleet. The handover of the first C-295 aircraft by Airbus Defence and Space in Seville, Spain, was a significant moment. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, IAF Chief, accepted delivery at a ceremony held at Airbus’s San Pablo site.

AFI