C295 Aircraft: India's First Private Military Aircraft Plant

India has inaugurated its first private military transport aircraft facility, a C-295 aircraft, to replace the aging Soviet Antonov An-32 and Avro 748 fleet. The facility, inaugurated by PM Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, will produce 56 aircraft worth Rs 21,935 crore.

Strategic Military Advancement:

India's first private military transport aircraft facility inaugurated in Vadodara, Gujarat
Joint inauguration by PM Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez at Tata Advanced Systems Limited
C-295 aircraft to replace aging Soviet Antonov An-32 and Avro 748 fleet
Aircraft features include 482 kmph cruise speed, capacity for 71 soldiers or 9 tons cargo
Versatile capabilities: medical evacuation, maritime patrol, cargo dropping, and refueling
Can operate from short, unpaved runways, crucial for LAC operations

Manufacturing and Economic Impact:

Total order of 56 C-295 aircraft worth Rs 21,935 crore
First 16 aircraft to be delivered from Spain; 40 to be manufactured in India
Project to create 3,000 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs
First India-made C-295 expected by September 2026
Complete delivery scheduled by August 2031
Facility to make India the largest C-295 operator globally
Promotes growth of ancillary sectors and component manufacturing

Make in India Initiative and Future Prospects:

Marks significant milestone in 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives
Training center establishment at Air Force Station in Agra
Stick Holding Depot planned in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Future potential for civil aircraft manufacturing and exports
Strengthens India-Spain bilateral relations
Positions India in global aerospace market
Aircraft name significance: 'C' for CASA, '2' for twin engines, '95' for 9.5-ton payload

Technical Specifications and Features:

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 engine (2,645 horsepower)
High reliability with 95% availability rate
Successfully tested in challenging environments like Chad, Iraq, and Afghanistan
Advanced features include air-to-air refueling capability
Can offload up to 6 tons of fuel
Low maintenance and operating costs
Redesigned wing for enhanced performance

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