Watch: Indian Air Force's First C-295 Rolls Out Of Paint Shop, To Be Delivered By September End

The first C-295M tactical transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been rolled out of its paint shop at the Airbus site in Seville, Spain and will be delivered to the IAF by September.

According to another report, the first lot of pilots will start training in the Airbus facility in Seville Spain from next month and the first C-295M aircraft will be delivered by September this year.

India, in September 2021, has signed a deal with Airbus to buy 56 C-295M transport aircraft worth $2.5 billion. These 56 aircraft will replace the IAF's ageing Avro HS748 transport aircraft.

Of the 56 C-295s, first 16 will be built by Airbus Defence and Space at its facility in Seville in southern Spain and will be delivered within 48 months of signing the contract.

The C-295 is a tactical transport aircraft capable of lifting 6 tonnes — it can carry five cargo pallets or 71 troops or 50 paratroopers. The rear ramp door of the aircraft can be used for quick reaction and para-dropping of troops and cargo.

The aircraft can land on and take off from short, unprepared airstrips not accessible to heavier transport aircraft, a feature which will allow the aircraft to land and take-off from the advanced landing grounds along the India-China border.