Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inducts C-295 transport aircraft into IAF
Sep 25, 2023
Ghaziabad (UP), Sept 25 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 25 formally inducted the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force. The induction ceremony was held in the presence of top military officials including Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Induction of the C-295s, which will gradually replace the IAF’s old Avro-748 fleet, in the 2023-31 timeframe will boost the IAF’s tactical airlift capability along the border with China, as also other places like the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The C-295s, which will be equipped with indigenous electronic warfare systems, also have rear ramp doors for quick reaction and para-dropping of troops and cargo. The aircraft is capable of performing special missions as well as disaster response and maritime patrol duties. VR Chaudhari had led the contract negotiations as the then deputy Chief of Air Staff. The contract, worth nearly Rs 22,000 crore, was signed in September 2021.
