India: The introduction of the medium-range, multi-mission maritime reconnaissance aircraft will significantly bolster the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Bharat is poised to acquire more than twelve maritime surveillance aircraft from the renowned aviation corporation Airbus SE, with an anticipated expenditure of 290 billion rupees ($3.5 billion). This move is geared towards enhancing its capabilities in the progressively turbulent Indian Ocean region.
As per a statement from the Defence Ministry, the medium-range, multi-mission maritime reconnaissance aircraft will bolster “the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. across the extensive maritime expanse of the country.
The decision to bolster India’s surveillance aircraft fleet was made by an acquisition council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.
Senior officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions, disclosed that nine of these aircraft will be allocated to India’s navy, while the remaining six will be assigned to the Coast Guard.
According to sources, four of the C-295 planes will be manufactured in Airbus’ European facilities to expedite their availability. The rest of the aircraft will be produced in India through the joint venture between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems. It’s worth noting that the Indian Air Force chose the same aircraft in 2021 to replace its outdated transport fleet.
India plans to spend ₹2,900
The maritime versions will be tailored for anti-submarine and surface warfare purposes and will be equipped with a sensor and weapons suite developed by India’s Defense Research & Development Organization, as per the sources.
India has deployed approximately twelve warships, along with a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range maritime surveillance aircraft procured from the United States, in the Arabian Sea for anti-piracy operations. The inclusion of multi-role, medium-range maritime surveillance aircraft will further enhance its capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
Furthermore, India’s defense ministry has given the green signal for the purchase of six new refueling aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Ratnavali