New Delhi, February 18, 2024 – The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has greenlit the acquisition of fifteen Airbus Defence C295 maritime aircraft, marking a significant stride in bolstering the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities.
While the approval is pending consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the slated order comprises six Maritime Patrol Aircraft (C295MPA-W) designated for the Bharatiya Nau Sena (BNS, Indian Navy) and nine Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (C295MSA-W) allocated for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The manufacturing of these C295s is slated to take place in India at the state-of-the-art Airbus-Tata consortium facility, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Airbus, situated in Vadodara, Gujarat. The aircraft will undergo customization with specialized radars and sensors at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Centre for Airborne Systems, enhancing their versatility as maritime aircraft.
The introduction of these advanced aircraft will enable India to significantly enhance its maritime monitoring capabilities along its expansive coastline and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Bharatiya Nau Sena (Indian Navy) is set to benefit from upgraded observation platforms, enhancing its proficiency in long-range monitoring, search and rescue missions, and anti-submarine warfare.
Similarly, the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet will witness a boost with modernized surveillance aircraft, augmenting its effectiveness in missions such as anti-piracy operations, disaster response, and fisheries protection. The strategic acquisition aligns with India’s commitment to fortify its maritime security apparatus and ensure comprehensive coverage of its vital maritime domains.
