In the presence of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, on 30 Jan 2025, IAF received the first C-295 aircraft at Air Force Station Agra. The ceremony, commenced with an impressive fly-past of the new C-295 accompanied, in formation, by two Su-30s and was attended by various civil and military dignitaries.
The induction of this modern military transport aircraft into a flying squadron of the Central Air Command, is a significant transformation that will give a fllip to the air operations in this region. The employment of airpower toward meeting military objectives in the Central Air Command is increasing by the day, and the versatility of this aircraft is ideally suited to meet this challenge. The aircraft’s long reach, efficient lifting capacity, multi-role capability, self-protection and modern on-board equipment will facilitate an optimum employment toward meeting the military objectives along the northern border. This aircraft will also augment the training of Para Commandos and Special Forces which can subsequently be employed in realistic scenarios, to meet any threat from across the borders or a contingency that requires quick and assured response at home.
The induction of the aircraft will take place in a phased manner. This induction is a milestone in the air operations of Central Air Command. The new aircraft was aptly welcomed with the traditional ‘Water Canon Salute’ as it taxied into the squadron premises. The ceremony concluded with memento exchange and a photograph of the Team Agra with the first C-295 aircraft.
