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,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
-
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
-
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.