La Marina Real de Tailandia adquiere dos Airbus C295 para transporte y vigilancia marítima

 

La Royal Thai Navy ha confirmado la adquisición de dos Airbus C295 en una configuración avanzada de transporte que permitirá a la fuerza naval tailandesa ampliar sus capacidades logísticas, de vigilancia marítima y de búsqueda y rescate (SAR).

El contrato supone un nuevo éxito internacional para Airbus y consolida todavía más la presencia del C295 dentro de las Fuerzas Armadas de Tailandia. La operación llega apenas unos meses después del pedido realizado por la Real Fuerza Aérea de Tailandia para incorporar otros dos aparatos del mismo modelo, mientras que el Ejército tailandés ya opera tres C295 desde 2016 en misiones de transporte táctico y de tropas.

Con esta nueva compra, el C295 se afianza como la plataforma de transporte táctico de referencia para las fuerzas armadas tailandesas, que continúan apostando por una flota cada vez más homogénea y versátil.

Los nuevos aviones estarán basados en U-Tapao, en Sattahip, y combinarán capacidades de transporte con funciones avanzadas de vigilancia marítima. Las aeronaves incorporarán sensores electroópticos e infrarrojos (EO/IR), permitiendo detectar, clasificar e identificar objetivos tanto en el mar como sobre tierra, incluso en operaciones nocturnas.

Esta configuración permitirá a la Marina tailandesa reforzar significativamente sus capacidades de patrulla y control marítimo en una región cada vez más estratégica y sensible desde el punto de vista geopolítico.

Los dos Airbus C295 serán ensamblados en las instalaciones de Airbus Defence and Space en Sevilla, uno de los centros industriales más importantes del programa C295 a nivel mundial. La primera entrega está prevista para finales de 2028.

El acuerdo representa además una nueva carga de trabajo para la industria aeronáutica española, en un momento en el que el C295 continúa acumulando pedidos internacionales tanto en versiones de transporte como de vigilancia marítima y patrulla.

El sudeste asiático se está consolidando además como una región cada vez más importante para Airbus Defence, donde el C295 continúa ampliando su presencia frente a competidores estadounidenses y brasileños.

🇳🇬 Nigeria advances C-295 talks following Airbus visit in Spain

 

The Nigerian Air Force has once again signaled its interest in the CASA C-295, following a high-level visit to Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Spain in March 2026. While no contract has been signed, the visit offers a clear indication that the platform remains under serious consideration as part of Nigeria’s ongoing effort to strengthen its airlift capabilities.

The delegation, led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, spent several days engaging directly with both operators and industry. At Getafe Air Base, home of the Spanish Air and Space Force’s 35th Wing, the Nigerian team was introduced to the operational profile of the aircraft. The briefings focused on how the C-295 performs in day-to-day missions such as troop transport, logistics support, medical evacuation and humanitarian operations, highlighting its flexibility and relatively low operating footprint.

From an operational perspective, this kind of profile aligns closely with Nigeria’s current needs. The ability to sustain operations over long periods, often in demanding environments, makes platforms like the C-295 particularly attractive for air forces balancing capability with cost and availability.

The visit then shifted to Madrid, where discussions with Airbus Defence and Space centered on the aircraft’s global track record and the support structure behind it. Beyond the platform itself, Airbus emphasized training, logistics and long-term sustainment, areas that are often decisive in procurement decisions but receive less public attention.

One of the more forward-looking aspects of the visit was a briefing on the SIRTAP, a next-generation unmanned system designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its potential integration with manned platforms points toward a broader operational concept rather than a standalone acquisition.

The final stop in Seville provided a closer look at the industrial side of the program, with the delegation touring the production lines where both the C-295 and the Airbus A400M Atlas are assembled. Seeing the manufacturing process firsthand often plays a key role in shaping confidence in both the platform and its long-term supportability.

Nigeria’s interest in the C-295 is not new, but it has yet to translate into a firm order. Financial constraints and competing priorities have slowed progress in the past, and the program remains in a tentative phase. At the same time, alternative platforms such as the Embraer C-390 Millennium are also part of the wider conversation, adding another layer of complexity to the decision.

What is clear, however, is that Nigeria is actively exploring options to modernize its transport fleet. The C-295 continues to stand out as a practical and proven solution, but until a contract is signed, it remains a candidate rather than a confirmed acquisition.

Desvelada la venta por parte España de 8 C-295 a Argelia

Lo que durante meses fue un secreto a voces en los círculos de defensa se ha confirmado finalmente a través de fuentes oficiales. El Gobierno de España autorizó la venta y exportación de ocho aviones de transporte militar Airbus C295 a Argelia durante el primer semestre de 2025. La operación está valorada en 385,2 millones de euros.

La transacción se gestó en enero de 2025 y representa una expansión significativa de las capacidades logísticas de Argelia. Estos ocho aparatos, ensamblados en la planta de Airbus en Sevilla, se sumarán a las cinco unidades que el país ya tiene en servicio, elevando su flota total a 13 aeronaves.

El C295 es un modelo fundamental para el transporte de tropas y cargas pesadas, destacando por su versatilidad en misiones de corto y medio alcance. Según los datos de Airbus a finales de 2025, el fabricante cuenta con 311 pedidos de este modelo a nivel global, consolidando a Argelia como uno de sus clientes preferentes en el continente africano desde que adquiriera su primer ejemplar en 2004.

La aprobación de esta venta por parte de la Secretaría de Estado de Comercio se produjo en un momento de extrema sensibilidad. Las relaciones entre Madrid y Argel se fracturaron en 2022 tras el giro del Gobierno español respecto al Sáhara Occidental, alineándose con la propuesta de autonomía de Marruecos.

A pesar de las tensiones políticas y el discurso mediático de confrontación, este contrato de defensa revela que los canales industriales y de seguridad nunca se cerraron del todo. Mientras los medios oficiales mantenían la narrativa de la crisis, se producían hitos de normalización silenciosa:

• Seguridad y Defensa: La venta de los C295 implica una cooperación que va más allá de lo comercial, entrando en el ámbito de la defensa estratégica.
• Encuentros de alto nivel: La visita del ministro del Interior argelino, Brahim Merad, a Madrid y la reunión de los cancilleres en el marco del G20 en Johannesburgo (noviembre de 2025) fueron los preludios políticos de este contrato.
• Dependencia mutua: Argelia se ha mantenido como un proveedor fiable de gas, y las exportaciones españolas hacia el país norteafricano crecieron un 142% en 2024.

La discreción como norma

Llama la atención el perfil bajo con el que se ha gestionado la operación. Ni los medios especializados en defensa ni los medios oficiales de ambos países trataron la información en su momento. Este silencio mutuo sugiere un interés compartido por proteger una relación económica vital sin inflamar las tensiones con otros actores regionales como Marruecos.

El Ejército del Aire se despliega en Estados Unidos para el ejercicio Sentry South 26.2

 

El Ejército del Aire y del Espacio participa activamente en el ejercicio Sentry South 26.2, una de las fases del macroejercicio Southern Strike 2026, organizado por la Guardia Nacional Aérea de Misisipi en el sur de Estados Unidos.

El Ejercicio Sentry South 26-2, se dedica a entrenar operaciones de combate realistas y conjuntas, utilizando un entorno de alta exigencia para adiestrar a fuerzas aéreas y terrestres aliadas.

En esta fase, a desarrollar  entre el 20 de febrero y el 6 de marzo, participan alrededor de 1.100 militares y unidades del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio con A400M Atlas, helicópteros NH90 y un C-295M, operando desde el Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, con el objetivo de entrenar despliegues expedicionarios, integración multinacional y respuesta frente a amenazas reales en escenarios complejos.

En los últimos días, una pareja de Airbus A400M Atlas del Ejército del Aire ha llegado a Gulfport, consolidando un despliegue que subraya la capacidad española de proyección estratégica intercontinental y su integración en ejercicios de combate conjunto con fuerzas aliadas.

NH90 del Ala 48 en operaciones especiales

El núcleo del despliegue español gira en torno a los helicópteros NH90 del Ala 48, que participan en escenarios de operaciones especiales, inserción y extracción de fuerzas, y misiones tácticas en entornos complejos. Estas actividades se desarrollan en el Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, una instalación clave para el adiestramiento avanzado de la Guardia Nacional estadounidense.

A400M y C-295: movilidad y apoyo a fuerzas especiales

Los A400M Atlas han sido fundamentales para trasladar personal, helicópteros y material desde España hasta Estados Unidos, evidenciando la madurez del avión como vector estratégico de despliegue rápido.

Junto a ellos, la Guardia Aérea Nacional ha difundido imágenes del C-295M del Ala 35, concretamente el T.21-08 (35-08). El Ala 35, con base en Getafe, integra al 353 Escuadrón de Operaciones Especiales, una unidad clave para el apoyo aéreo a fuerzas SOF y operaciones tácticas de alta exigencia.

Las imágenes del despliegue español han sido difundidas por Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), el portal multimedia oficial de las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos, reflejando la importancia que Washington concede a la participación española en este ejercicio.

Más allá del componente visual, Sentry South 26.2 confirma la plena integración del Ejército del Aire en ejercicios multinacionales de alta intensidad, donde se combinan capacidades de transporte estratégico, helicópteros tácticos y apoyo directo a operaciones especiales en un entorno realista y exigente.

Además de Sentry South, el Ejército del Aire tiene previsto intensificar su presencia en Estados Unidos a lo largo de 2026, con la participación en otro ejercicio de alta exigencia, el Red Flag, que se desarrolla en la base aérea de Nellis, Nevada.

India Expands Fleet with 15 C-295 Maritime Patrol/ASW Aircraft Following Acquisition of 56 C-295 Transport Units

India has taken a step towards bolstering its strategic position in the Indian Ocean by finalizing a groundbreaking deal with Airbus. This monumental agreement entails an investment of around USD $3.5 billion for the procurement of over a dozen maritime surveillance aircraft. Spearheaded by Defense Minister, the acquisition council has given the green light for the purchase of nine aircraft destined for the Indian Navy and six for the Coast Guard. This significant move not only enhances the nation's surveillance and interception capabilities but also underscores India's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its maritime borders.

The acquisition comprises 15 maritime patrol aircraft, based on the C-295 transport aircraft, a collaborative effort between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus. This fleet, comprising nine surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and six patrol aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard, represents a formidable endeavor to enhance India's maritime vigilance. Valued at Rs 29,000 crore, this deal stands as a testament to the nation's strategic vision in strengthening its reconnaissance, surveillance, and patrol capabilities across the Indian Ocean. The adoption of the C-295 aircraft, coupled with advanced radars and sensors, positions India as a dominant maritime power in the region.

At the core of this historic procurement lies the 'Make in India' initiative, a visionary campaign by the Indian government to boost indigenous manufacturing. The project, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, not only signifies a significant leap in domestic defense production but also sets a precedent for future partnerships in the defense sector. While four of the C-295 planes will be manufactured in Airbus' Spanish acilities, the subsequent assembly and customization, including anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities, will occur in India. This initiative not only fosters self-reliance in defense manufacturing but also propels the Indian defense industry towards unprecedented levels of innovation and technological advancement.

The new maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with a sophisticated suite of sensors and weapons developed by India's Defense Research & Development Organization, are poised to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. This acquisition, part of a larger Rs 84,560 crore procurement of military hardware, underscores a strategic shift towards strengthening India's maritime surveillance and combat capabilities. Custom-engineered for a multi-mission role encompassing anti-submarine and surface warfare, the maritime versions of these aircraft augment the nation's defense architecture against evolving maritime threats.

The procurement of 15 maritime patrol aircraft signifies a pivotal moment in India's maritime defense strategy. This acquisition, highlighting the synergy between strategic foresight and indigenous manufacturing, not only reinforces India's surveillance and interception capabilities but also heralds a new era of self-reliance in defense production. As these aircraft are integrated into the Indian Navy and Coast Guard fleets, they represent a significant stride in India's pursuit of maritime dominance and security in the Indian Ocean region. The strategic ramifications of this endeavor, extending beyond mere acquisition, bode well for India's defense diplomacy and its standing in the global defense arena.

Spain Finalizes Acquisition of 16 C295 Aircraft for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Surveillance

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has sealed a deal for 16 Airbus C295 aircraft, slated for Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) configurations, marking a significant investment totaling €1.695 billion.

This strategic acquisition aims to bolster the national anti-submarine warfare capability and reinforce the surveillance, reconnaissance, and search & rescue capabilities of the Spanish Air and Space Force and the Spanish Navy.

Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized, "The complete design and manufacture of these aircraft will be carried out within Spain, furthering the country's industrial defense capacity and ensuring its sovereignty. The Maritime Patrol version represents the most intricate C295 mission configuration to date, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to provide our customer with a substantial operational edge."

Included within the contract are comprehensive training systems, featuring a Full Flight Simulator and a Mission System Simulator, along with an initial logistics support package.

Functionally, the C295 MPA is set to take over the roles previously performed by the retired P-3 Orion fleet. Configured for anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, it will also have the capacity to deploy armaments like torpedoes and various weapon systems. The MPA configuration boasts exceptional connectivity, enabling collaborative operations with different platforms across domains, and offers a flexible flying command-and-control center for diverse missions within the Spanish Armed Forces.

On the other hand, the C295 MSA serves as a natural successor to the CN-235 VIGMA aircraft fleet currently employed by the Spanish Air and Space Force since 2008. Primarily tailored for maritime and overland operations, it will play a pivotal role in counter-smuggling, anti-illegal immigration, anti-drug trafficking, and both national and international search-and-rescue missions.

The synergy between these two configurations is expected to be significant. Furthermore, the Spanish Air and Space Force manages a fleet of 13 Airbus C295 aircraft in transport configuration.

The assembly of these aircraft is slated to take place at Airbus’ military facilities located in Seville, Spain.

Canada receives its first new search and rescue CC-295 aircraft

The new fleet will be called Kingfisher. Within the First Nations of the Northwest, the kingfisher has long been recognized for its speed and agility, as well as its keen searching and hunting skills. 

Found all across Canada, the kingfisher well represents the abilities of our own search and rescue crews to accomplish their lifesaving role. Specifically designed to perform search and rescue missions across Canada, the aircraft is equipped with integrated sensors that will allow crews to locate persons or objects from more than 40 kilometers away, even in low-light conditions. 

Its communications systems will increase interoperability with other search and rescue assets, such as the CH-149 Cormorant. The fleet of 16 aircraft will be replacing the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules fleets in their search and rescue role at four locations across Canada, and represents a value of $2.4 billion. The aircraft received earlier this month will remain at 19 Wing Comox while the RCAF completes aircrew training, followed by operational testing. 

During the transition period and while the CC-295 Kingfisher is being operationalized, fixed-wing search and rescue services will continue through existing fleets, along with the CH-149 Cormorant and CH-146 Griffon helicopters. The delivery of this aircraft marks an exciting new chapter in Canada’s long and proud search and rescue history, and this project has created hundreds of new jobs for Canadians. 

The CC-295 contractor, Airbus Defence and Space, continues to make investments into the Canadian aerospace and defence industry through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy. Strategic work packages directly related to the aircraft are providing Canadian companies the opportunity to participate in global supply chains and creating high-value jobs. canada

 

India concludes price negotiations to acquire 62 C295 transport aircraft

India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has concluded price negotiations to acquire a total of 62 Airbus Defence and Space C295 medium transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The MoD's Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) concluded consultations with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) - which is in a joint venture (JV) with Airbus for the MTA programme - to procure the 62 platforms for around EUR2.8 billion (USD3.15 billion).
They said the aircraft deal - which would include 56 platforms for the IAF to replace the service's ageing fleet of Avro 748M transports, and six for the ICG - is expected to be signed after a new Indian government assumes office following general elections set to begin on 11 April.
The MTA programme envisages the direct import of 16 C295s and the local assembly/licence-building of the remaining 46 aircraft at a facility set up by the JV near Bangalore. In keeping with the 2013 MTA tender, 24 of these will be imported in kit form for local assembly and include a 30% indigenous content. The level of indigenous content is then expected to double to 60% in the remaining 22 platforms.
Delivery of the first locally assembled C295 is expected to begin within 60 months of the contract being signed, industry sources said.
Rahul Bedi janes

Kazakhstan Border Service places order for Airbus C295

The Border Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan has signed a firm order for one C295 medium transport aircraft.
Through this new agreement, which includes training, spares and ground support equipment, the overall C295 fleet operating in Kazakhstan will increase to nine aircraft.
The new C295, in transport configuration, will play a vital role in border control activities and homeland security operations due to its demonstrated reliability and cost efficiency in operation at low temperatures.
With this new order, the Border Service of Kazakhstan becomes the 31st operator of the C295 and brings the total number of orders up to 13 aircraft in the CIS.
airbus

Czech Republic plans to procure two additional C-295s

The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced it intends to move forward with the procurement of an additional two C-295 tactical transport aircraft to bolster its existing fleet of four aircraft currently in service with the air forces of the Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) since 2010.
“We would like to take delivery of the aircraft by 2020 or shortly thereafter,” Brigadier General Petr Hromek, the recently appointed commander of the ACR air forces, told media on 18 June.
Brig Gen Hromek said the two C-295s would replace two obsolete Russian-made Yakovlev Yak-40 jet airliners currently in service with the ACR and used in the VIP transport role, and are scheduled for retirement by 2020 when their airframes reach the end of their service lives.
Jiri Kominek janes

ANGOLA ORDERS 3 C-295 FOR MARITIME PATROL

The Angolan military has ordered three C295 transport aircraft from Airbus, and will use them for transport and maritime surveillance duties.
The three aircraft are being acquired for nearly 160 million euros, according to documents seen by the Lusa news agency last week. Lusa reported that Angolan President Joao Lourenco on 2 March authorised commodities trading company Simportex to finalise the contract for the aircraft with Airbus Defence and Space.
The contract is worth 159.9 million euros. It will be financed by Banco Bilbao and Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) of Spain and be included in the contract of the Public Investment Programme of the Angolan government.
It appears the C295s will be used by the Angolan Navy for maritime surveillance, according to Angolan media. Given the price tag, it is likely that this includes specialised maritime surveillance equipment. Maritime patrol variants of the C295 are fitted with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) for mission control, and this includes a search radar, electro-optical sensors, magnetic anomaly detector and other avionics. Weapons can include torpedoes, missiles, mines and depth charges.
defenceweb

United Arab Emirates orders five Airbus C295 aircraft

The United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence has ordered five Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft.
The agreement, announced at the Dubai Airshow, takes the C295 orderbook past 200, underlining the type’s market leadership in its class.
The aircraft will serve with the UAE Air Force replacing the existing CN235s still in operation. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Orders for the C295 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region now total 51.
C295 sales pass the 200 mark.
airbus

India to Begin Contract Negotiations to Acquire at least 56 Airbus C-295

The IAF is set to begin negotiations contract negotiations for acquiring 56 Airbus C-295, to replace its ageing fleet of HS-748 Aircraft. The Border Security Force is also looking at four C-295 for movement of its troopers within the country. The aircraft is to be made in India by TATA in partnership with Airbus. Airbus will supply 16 from its final assembly line in Spain in fly away condition. The following 40 aircraft will be manufactured by TATA.
economictimes.indiatimes

Airbus Delivers Final C-295 to Philippines

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the third and final C-295 medium transport destined for the Philippines Air Force, the company announced at the Singapore Airshow Tuesday.
The aircraft was ferried recently from the Airbus Seville, Spain, assembly line to Clark Air Base to take up airlift duties.
The Philippines joins Vietnam and Indonesia as a C-295 customer in the region.
defensenews

Equatorial Guinea orders two C295

Equatorial Guinea has acquired a pair of Airbus Defence & Space C295s, one for troop transport and the other for maritime surveillance.
The first example is expected to be delivered in September, the cargo variant. Delivery of the maritime surveillance aircraft is anticipated in 2017.
The C295s will bolster the nation's relatively modest military fleet, which includes an Antonov An-72 transport, four Sukhoi Su-25 combat aircraft and two Aero Vodochody L-39 jet trainers, plus a number of Russian-built rotorcraft.
flightglobal

Ghana to get Mi-35 helicopter

The Ghanaian Air Force is in the process of acquiring one Mil Mi-35 assault helicopter, Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Michael Samson-Oje revealed in his end-of-year message.
Summing up his service's other procurement programmes, AVM Samson-Oje said the new Harbin Z-9EH helicopters were delivered on time in 2015, the acquisition of Embraer Super Tucano turboprops was "far advanced", and that an additional Airbus C295M transport was expected to be delivered in January 2016.
Ghana received four Z-9EHs in September 2015, has ordered five Super Tucanos, and already has two C295s in service.
janes

Third and Final C-295 Arrived at Philippines

The Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s third and last C-295 medium-lift transport aircraft finally arrived at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga Friday afternoon.
The plane departed from Seville, Spain last Dec. 4 and made stopovers in several countries before landing in the Philippines.
The last C-295 transport aircraft was flown by pilots of Airbus Defense and Space.
It will still undergo technical inspection and acceptance process before it will be turnover to the PAF.
Last Dec. 5, President Benigno S. Aquino graced the turnover of the second C-295, two FA-50PH supersonic lead-in fighter jets and six AW-109E Attack Helicopter at 250th Presidential Airlift Wing Ramp,Villamor Air Base while Secretary Voltaire Gazmin led the turnover of the first C-295 last March 30.
The three C-295 medium-lift fixed-wing acquisition program is part of the PAF modernization program amounting.
defense-studies

Airbus C295W flies to Antarctica

An Airbus C295W aircraft belonging to the Mexican Navy and operated by a mixed crew from Airbus Defence and Space and SEMAR flew from Río Gallegos Airport in Argentina to the Marambio Base, the first flight ever by a C295 to Antarctica.
The C295W landed in Marambio at 11.45 on 27 November, returning to Río Gallegos nearly eight hours later. The Argentinian Marambio Base, in the Seymour Island in the North of Antarctica, frequently suffers temperatures below -30ºC with extremely strong winds.
During its tour of the region, the C295W has already visited Bolivia and Chile and after the phase in Argentina will continue to Paraguay and Panama before completing the tour in Mexico in early.
airbusdefenceandspace

Spain and Airbus Agree Temporary Reduction In A400M Acquisition

The Spanish air force has agreed with Airbus Defence & Space to acquire an initially reduced fleet of 14 A400M tactical transports until a funding solution can be found for the remaining 13 of the type Madrid has committed to buy.
14 A400Ms will be delivered to Spain by 2022 after which a decision will have to be made on how to proceed with the remainder of the acquisition – postponed until 2024.
The air force is struggling to fund the full acquisition and is in discussions with Airbus regarding its plans. Spain is contractually obliged to proceed with the full fleet, and a decision to reduce the buy or sell the remaining 13 aircraft to other customers would have to be agreed by the manufacturer and the Spanish government.
Despite this, Airbus says it “greatly welcomes” Spain’s decision to restructure the delivery schedule.
The first aircraft destined for Spain is due to be delivered in 2016, with its wings having arrived at the final assembly line in Seville in October, and under the new plans nine roll-on mission kits for the type will be provided that can be used on any of its 14 examples. That will include a defensive aids suite, satellite communications and in-flight refuelling pods.
Spain has also reafirmed plans to acquire three Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transports. A contract for these had been expected during 2015, but this is likely to be pushed back to next year, due to a general election in the nation on 20 December.
Meanwhile, a multi-mission capability for the Airbus C295s the Spanish air force already operates is being discussed by the air force and manufacturer. This could include maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, plus the ability to support special operations forces.
Spain operates a fleet of 13 C295s that are between seven and 14 years old. These could be reconfigured, or new examples acquired for the multi-mission role.
defense-aerospace

In Spain, Jordan's King Shows Interest in A400M, C295

King Abdullah II of Jordan showed interest in the A400M airlifter and the multirole C-295 aircraft during his visit to the Airbus Defence and Space factory in Getafe near Madrid.
King Abdullah visited the facilities of Airbus with King Felipe VI of Spain. Both monarchs took a photo inside the cockpit of an A400M already prepared to be delivered to the British Royal Air Force.
In July 2014, Jordan announced an agreement with US company ATK to convert a Royal Jordanian Air Force C-295 into a gunship to provide “additional capabilities, more firepower and flexibility for the defense of the Kingdom.” That new C-295 will join two smaller AC-235s made by Airbus in Spain and also modified for ground attack by ATK.
evillarejo@defensenews.com defensenews