$2.5-billion buy of 56 C-295 military transport planes cleared

The C-295 has a rear ramp door for quick loading and unloading and for para dropping of troops and cargo

The Union Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday cleared the acquisition of 56 C-295MW medium transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, in a deal worth $2.5-3 billion.

The acquisition will be done under the ‘Buy & Make’ category of the Defence Procurement Procedure. Of the 56 aircraft, 16 are to be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of signing the contract, while the remaining 40 will be built in India by the Tata group within 10 years of contract signature.

The C-295 is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW-127 engines, a part of the