Navy, Coast Guard to induct C-295 aircraft as India expands indigenous military aviation push

India is set to strengthen its maritime defence with the induction of 15 Airbus C-295MW tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Out of these, nine aircraft will be allotted to the Navy and six to the Coast Guard. The Defence Acquisition Council has already cleared the Acceptance of Necessity, and the deadline for submitting commercial bids is December 2025.

This move follows the Indian Air Force’s ongoing replacement of its vintage Avro aircraft with the C-295. India had signed a contract with Airbus in 2021 for 56 aircraft, with 16 to be delivered from Spain and 40 being manufactured in Vadodara by Tata in partnership with Airbus. The IAF has already raised its first C-295 squadron at the facility.

The first Made-in-India C-295 is expected to be delivered by August 2026. The aircraft is capable of carrying 5–10 tons of cargo or up to 70 soldiers. With tactical features like short takeoff and landing, rear ramp loading, and 11-hour flight endurance, it is designed for high-altitude and high-risk missions, including operations along the LAC with China.

The Navy and Coast Guard versions will expand the aircraft’s utility to maritime roles. The C-295 will replace ageing fleets like the Avro and eventually the AN-32. The government is also preparing for future replacements of IL-76 aircraft as the IAF transitions towards a more modern and efficient airlift capability.