Initial Batch of Indian C295 Aeroplane to Take Shape in Spain

India, with its extensive coastline and strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), faces a dynamic maritime environment. To safeguard its interests, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently approved the purchase of 15 Airbus C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA).

This deal, worth an estimated Rs. 29,000 crore, is a major boost to India's maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, and the nation's growing focus on indigenous defence manufacturing.

Understanding the C295: Flexibility & Advanced Technology​

The Airbus C295 is a versatile medium tactical transport aircraft that can be configured for various missions. For India, two configurations are crucial:

• Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA): Focused on surveillance, reconnaissance, and search & rescue, the MSA will strengthen India's ability to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and track threats in real time.
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA): The MPA ups the ante with anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Designed for high connectivity, the Indian MPA variant can integrate with other naval and air assets, significantly improving maritime situational awareness.

Hybrid Manufacturing: Self-Reliance and Skill Development​

India's C295 procurement highlights a 'Make in India' approach. While the initial four aircraft will be built in Spain, the majority (11) will be manufactured by a Tata-Airbus collaboration in Gujarat.

This promotes indigenous defence production, fosters technology transfer, and contributes to India's aerospace skill development.

Strategic Importance: Meeting India's Maritime Challenges​

The C295 acquisition addresses key security concerns for India:

• Vast Maritime Domain: India's coastline stretches over 7,500 km with an EEZ of over 2 million sq. km. The C295's range and endurance allow for comprehensive coverage, enhancing overall monitoring.
• Subsurface Threats: The IOR is increasingly contested, with submarine activity on the rise. The C295 in its MPA configuration provides India a critical tool to detect and deter subsurface threats.
• Search & Rescue (SAR): With frequent cyclones and maritime accidents, the C295's capabilities are pivotal in SAR efforts within the region.
• Geopolitical Context: India's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific underscores the need for a robust maritime posture. The C295 contributes to India's power projection capabilities and its role as a net security provider.

The Future of India's Maritime Defence​

The C295 acquisition emphasizes India's proactive approach to securing its maritime interests. This procurement aligns with India's focus on indigenous defence manufacturing and demonstrates its growing capabilities in the aerospace sector.

As India continues to modernize its forces, the C295 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in its comprehensive maritime defence strategy for the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

 

[NSR]

India should order 12 more P-8Is immediately as Boeing may close it production line due to lack of orders.
Also, upgrade all the older P-8Is to new standard.

P-8Is are very important to India as it can launch torpedoes, long range anti-ship missiles, even bombs, etc

C-295s are only good for Coast Guard only.

 

[Anil Kumar]

makes sense. So, would it have been better if India had not gone for P8I in first place and gone for C295 originally? P8I deal was done in 2008. Should India have gone for domestic manufacturing deal with C295 then? Or does P8I provides some exceptional capability for which we need few of them?

Definitely P8I is best choice for anti submarine, surveillance, petroling etc. no doubt. India already got 12 of them which are costlier and without technology transfer and Indian weapons. Also negotiation underway for 31 predator drone with 15 of them for Navy. Navy also getting 24 MH60R anti submarine helicopter. And after 15 more C295 deal for Navy and coast guard I think that's sufficient with limited budget for Navy.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Can someone explain, why we are going for 2 different systems for maritime patrol and recon- C295 and P8I. Why not just order more P8I, since we are already operating it. Costs due to training, spare parts, and other systems would be lower. will they serve different purposes?

Though both are about to serve the same role, the way they complete role objectives is a bit different. P-8 being a predominantly jet platform can get to the area of operations quickly and start missions with minimal delay. This cuts down the time of a target to take evasive measures and does not allow it to go too far. On the other hand, jets are often fuel guzzlers and have higher operational costs.

Conversely, C-295 Persuader which is a dedicated maritime recon variant of the C-295 platform, is quite a capable platform itself. Being a propeller-driven platform allows it to have tremendous fuel efficiency and is thus great at loitering in the specified target area. As such propeller-driven aircraft-based maritime patrol aircraft will invariably have better station-keeping capability, where it can maintain persistent surveillance of the specified target.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Each C295 costs Rs 29,000/15 EQUALS 1,900 crores. That is USD 200 Million?

WTF? As per Janes, flyaway cost of a C295 is USD 34.41 Million. This is also the price Brunei purchased C295 in Dec 22.

How can an aircraft be purchased for 6X its flyaway cost ?

One word - Avionics and sensor suite!. A fly-away cost of an aircraft is the cost of an aircraft without all the sensors and avionic sub-systems. Meaning although that aircraft might just be capable of flight, it lacks the sensors and avionic suite to complete missions.

 

[Siddharth Asthana]

One one hand IN acts as an adult, on the other hand IAF behaves like a petulant child!

 

[Swaminathan]

Good sense prevails this time around,as they realising the requirement for a ASW version and IRST variant right out now instead of a decade later.

Make it fast ! No time to waste dilly dallying !!

India dhould subsequently manufacure and emerge a supply source for this aircraft .

Also set up a suitable eco system to manufacture the necessary components / sub assemblies/ assemblies etc.. !

 

[Mango_Indian]

One word - Avionics and sensor suite!. A fly-away cost of an aircraft is the cost of an aircraft without all the sensors and avionic sub-systems. Meaning although that aircraft might just be capable of flight, it lacks the sensors and avionic suite to complete missions.

Really!! Flyaway cost is cost without sensors and sub-systems?

Do google up "flyaway cost".