India is currently engaged in negotiations to acquire an additional 10 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft, augmenting its earlier order of 71 units. This move is part of India’s strategy to modernise its ageing air fleet with domestically assembled aircraft. The discussions reflect partnership between Airbus and the Tata Group, which established a C-295 assembly line in Gujarat last year.
Background of the C-295 Acquisition
In 2021, India entered a $2.52 billion contract for 56 C-295 aircraft for its Air Force. Following this, the government approved an initial order of 15 additional units for the Navy and Coast Guard. The ongoing talks for 10 more aircraft tell the Indian Air Force’s pressing need for enhanced transport capabilities.
Significance of the C-295 Aircraft
The C-295 is a versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying 70 troops or eight tonnes of cargo. It supports various missions including surveillance and reconnaissance. With this aircraft, the Indian Air Force is poised to become the largest operator of the C-295 globally.
Domestic Production Efforts
The partnership with Tata Advanced Systems is very important for India’s aim of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. All structural components of the C-295 are being produced in India, marking shift towards domestic production in the defence sector.
Future Orders and Expectations
Sources indicate that the Government of India may seek additional orders for up to 75 more C-295s beyond the initial 56. The assembly of these aircraft is expected to take place at the Airbus-Tata facility in India, with a portion still being sourced from Airbus’ site in Spain to meet urgent delivery timelines.
Challenges in Defence Procurement
The Indian Air Force has raised concerns regarding the slow delivery of fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This has prompted calls for increased production rates and the inclusion of private firms in military aircraft manufacturing to enhance competition and efficiency.
Strategic Implications
As the world’s largest arms importer, India aims to boost its military capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly with China. The expansion of the C-295 order is a strategic move to strengthen its air transport capabilities while encouraging domestic manufacturing.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of India’s defence procurement policies on domestic manufacturing capabilities.
- Explain the significance of the Airbus C-295 aircraft in enhancing India’s military transport capabilities.
- What are the challenges faced by India in increasing its defence production? Comment on the role of private firms in this context.
- What is the strategic importance of modernising India’s air fleet? How does it relate to regional security dynamics?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of India’s defence procurement policies on domestic manufacturing capabilities.
- India’s defence procurement policies aim to encourage self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign arms imports.
- The Make in India initiative promotes local production through partnerships with private and public sectors.
- Recent contracts, like the C-295 deal with Tata Group, exemplify successful collaborations boosting domestic capabilities.
- Challenges remain, such as bureaucratic hurdles and the need for more investment in R&D for indigenous technologies.
- Overall, these policies are gradually enhancing India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem but require continuous support and reform.
2. Explain the significance of the Airbus C-295 aircraft in enhancing India’s military transport capabilities.
- The C-295 can carry up to 70 troops or eight tonnes of cargo, fulfilling diverse military transport needs.
- It supports critical missions like surveillance and reconnaissance, enhancing operational flexibility for the Indian Air Force.
- With the C-295, the Indian Air Force is set to become the largest operator globally, boosting its logistical capabilities.
- The aircraft’s local assembly in India aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Replacing the ageing Avro HS-748 fleet, the C-295 modernizes the Air Force’s transport capabilities .
3. What are the challenges faced by India in increasing its defence production? Comment on the role of private firms in this context.
- Challenges include slow delivery timelines from state-run manufacturers, affecting operational readiness.
- Bureaucratic red tape can hinder swift procurement processes and project execution.
- Limited investment in R&D restricts innovation and development of indigenous technologies.
- Private firms can bring in competition, efficiency, and innovation, but require government support to scale.
- Encouraging private participation can lead to a more robust defence manufacturing sector, addressing supply chain issues.
4. What is the strategic importance of modernising India’s air fleet? How does it relate to regional security dynamics?
- Modernising the air fleet enhances India’s military readiness and operational capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly with China.
- It supports India’s strategic objectives in maintaining air superiority and quick response to threats.
- A modern fleet ensures efficient logistics and troop mobility, critical in conflict scenarios.
- Strengthening air transport capabilities can deter aggression and enhance India’s posture in regional security dynamics.
- Overall, a modernized air fleet is vital for national security and regional stability in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
