NEW DELHI: Airbus's first C-295 transport aircraft will be handed over today to strengthen the Indian Air Force. India will receive the first of the 56 aircraft as per the agreement. Sixteen aircraft will be manufactured in Spain and imported into India. The rest will be manufactured in Vadodara. The Air Chief has arrived in Spain to receive the aircraft. The most significant feature of the C-295 is its ability to take off and land on short runways.

The aircraft is expected to land at Hindon Airbase in Uttar Pradesh by September 25. In September of last year, India signed an agreement with the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, valued at Rs 21,000 crores. The 56 C-295s are being procured to replace the Air Force's existing Avro-748 aircraft.

Characteristics of the aircraft

The C-295 can carry a payload of 9 tonnes and transport up to 70 soldiers. It can reach strategic areas that are currently inaccessible to Air Force aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with a rear ramp door for paradropping and can handle various emergency situations. The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of 480 km per hour and can fly continuously for 11 hours. It can also be used for medical evacuation and features a spacious cabin.