Spain has ordered 18 C-295 tactical transport aircraft.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed a contract to purchase 18 C-295 aircraft from Airbus to modernize its forces, replace older aircraft, and optimize training.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence has officially ordered 18 C-295 tactical transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus. This is part of a plan to modernize the Air Force and Space Force, focusing on pilot training and paratrooper deployment.
This decision was made to meet the high combat readiness requirement and standardize the light transport fleet based on a single platform. The uniform use of the C-295 will significantly simplify maintenance and logistics for the Spanish military compared to operating multiple aircraft types such as the CN-235 and C-212 previously.
Technical characteristics and combat capabilities
The C-295 is a twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft, notable for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capability. The aircraft can take off in just 670m and land in 320m, allowing it to operate on unpaved runways or in challenging terrain.
The aircraft's propulsion system consists of two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G engines. Depending on the mission configuration, the C-295 can fly continuously for 13 hours, supporting the transport of up to 8 tons of cargo, 70 soldiers, or 50 paratroopers. In addition, this aircraft is capable of performing medical evacuation and maritime patrol missions.
| Specifications | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G |
| Maximum load | 8 tons of goods |
| Military capacity | 70 soldiers or 50 paratroopers |
| Takeoff/landing distance | 670m / 320m |
| Maximum flight time | 13 hours |
Handover schedule and training
According to the agreement, 18 new C-295s will be delivered in two specific phases:
- Phase 1 (2026-2028):Handed over to the military air transport school at Matacán Air Base in Salamanca.
- Phase 2 (2030-2032):The C-212s will be handed over to the paratrooper training school at Alcantarilla Air Base in Murcia to completely replace the current C-212 fleet.
The contract also includes an integrated ground training system, incorporating multiple flight simulators and state-of-the-art training management software. Airbus is committed to providing comprehensive support for the fleet, including maintenance and supplies management, until December 2032. Upon completion of delivery, Spain will operate a total of 46 C-295 aircraft.
Strategic and economic impact
This deal is part of Spain's €3.7 billion (approximately $4.36 billion) defense spending package announced in September. While the specific contract value for the 18 C-295s has not been disclosed, the average price of this aircraft is estimated at around $78 million per unit.
Continuing investment in the C-295 not only strengthens Madrid's strategic autonomy but also boosts the aviation industry ecosystem in Spain. Currently, this aircraft has been ordered by 38 countries with a total of 329 orders, accumulating over 710,000 flight hours worldwide.
