First Indian C295 transport aircraft performs maiden flight
The initial C295W for the Indian Air Force took to the air for the first time on 5 May. (Photo: Airbus Defence and Space)
The first Indian Air Force (IAF) C295W transport aircraft performed its maiden flight on 5 May, taking off from Seville, Spain for a three-hour flight.
This aircraft is due to be delivered in the second half of this year, in around September. The C295 had been spotted leaving the Spanish production facility in early March.
Jean-Brice Dumont, head of military air systems at Airbus Defence and Space, remarked: ‘This first flight represents a significant accomplishment for the first “Make in India” aerospace programme. With the Indian Air Force set to become the largest operator of the C295 in the world,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
-
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
-
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.