Angola Receives First of Three Airbus C295 Aircraft

The Republic of Angola has taken delivery of the first of three Airbus C295 military transport aircraft, marking a significant step in the modernization of its air force. The aircraft, delivered on July 30th in Seville, where the C295 is assembled, makes the Força Aerea Nacional Angolana (National Air Force of Angola-FANA) the 38th operator of this versatile aircraft worldwide.

This delivery is part of an order placed by Angola in April 2022 for three C295s. Two of these aircraft will be configured for maritime surveillance (MSA) missions, while the third will focus on transport duties. The transport-configured C295 will be used for tactical airlift missions, including cargo and troop transport, paratrooper drops, and humanitarian operations. Its ability to operate on unpaved runways is especially valuable in the challenging African terrain, enhancing Angola’s logistical and emergency response capabilities.

The two C295s configured for maritime surveillance will play a critical role in search and rescue (SAR) operations, monitoring illegal fishing activities, border control, disaster relief, and intelligence gathering. These aircraft will be equipped with Airbus’s Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and advanced sensors, ensuring they meet the demanding requirements of their missions.

All three aircraft will feature the latest version of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, which provides enhanced mission integration and effectiveness. The C295 is known for its versatility, with a capacity to carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 passengers, making it a leader in its class.

This acquisition represents a shift from Angola’s reliance on older Soviet-era aircraft to modern, Western-manufactured models, which are not only technologically superior but also more reliable and cost-effective to maintain. The transition from Antonov aircraft to Airbus models reflects Angola’s strategic move to diversify its military suppliers, reducing dependency on Russian equipment.

The arrival of the first C295 is a decisive step for Angola in strengthening both national and regional security. It also positions the country to better handle humanitarian crises and natural disasters. This modernization effort is expected to have a positive impact beyond Angola’s borders, contributing to greater stability across the region.

As Angola continues to modernize its air force, the relationship with Western defense manufacturers, particularly Airbus, is likely to deepen, paving the way for further advancements in the nation's military capabilities.

Additional C-295 Transport Aircraft for Ireland

The original contract was for two replacement Casa C-235 maritime patrol planes for the Air Corps, which are set to arrive soon and will be used for patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone and monitoring fishing and other ship movements. The Irish Air Corps had also been evaluating the purchase of additional C-295 planes for general transport duties as of June 2022.

the decision to fast-track the tendering process with an amendment followed discussions about the need to make progress on one of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces.

A source stated that the decision to go with the C295 cargo variant means that Air Corps pilots will not need extensive training to “convert” their qualifications for flying the aircraft.

The final decision was reportedly made under the new Irish Minister for Defence, and the government is said to have been eager to finalise the procurement before the end of 2022, with an amendment made to an existing tender with Airbus. The issue of Ireland’s lack of large military transport planes was brought to light following the mission to rescue Irish citizens in Kabul in 2021.

ukdefencejournal 

India to sign $2.5-billion contract for 56 C-295 transport planes for IAF

Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will jointly execute the project to equip the air force with 56 C-295 transport aircraft under the Make-in-India initiative in the aerospace sector. 

India will sign a $2.5-billion contract his year for the supply of 56 medium transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force to replace its fleet of aging Avro-748 planes, officials familiar with the development said on Tuesday. 

Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will jointly execute the project to equip the air force with 56 C-295 transport aircraft under the Make-in-India initiative in the aerospace sector. Under the contract, Airbus will supply the first 16 aircraft in flyaway condition while the remaining 40 will be assembled in India by TASL. 

hindustantimes

The Republic of Mali orders an additional Airbus C295

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Mali has placed a firm order for an additional Airbus C295 airlifter in the transport configuration. 

This second aircraft, to be delivered in 2021, will supplement the first C295 already in operation since December 2016 which has already accumulated 1,770 flight hours and transported more than 38,000 passengers and 900 tonnes of cargo in less than four years of operations. This new order also includes an integrated logistics support package with spare parts for the two aircraft and training for flight crews and mechanics. 

This acquisition is in response to the urgent need of the authorities of the Republic of Mali to have permanent air transport capacity within a very short timeframe, providing a vital link supporting operations and actions for the development of isolated areas in the northern regions of the country.  airbus