- India’s Ministry of Defence(MoD) has concluded negotiations to acquire 62 Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft(MTA).However,the deal needs clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) as there is a change from earlier parameters.
- India is looking to buy 62 Airbus Defence and Space C295 medium transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) from the Tata Advanced Systems Limited(TASL).
- The firm is a joint venture (JV) between the Tata Group and the European aerospace giant Airbus.They will deliver 56 C295s for the IAF to replace the ageing fleet of Avro 748M transports and six for the ICG.
- The Airbus C295 is a new generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment.It conducts multi-role operations under all weather conditions and can operate day and night in combat missions.
- Defence Acquisition Council(DAC) was constituted in 2001 to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces in prescribed time frame by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.DAC is headed by Union Defence Ministry.
- DAC has been providing policy guidelines to acquisitions,based on long-term procurement plans.It also clears all acquisitions,including imported equipment and those produced indigenously or under a foreign licence.
