The first C-295 MW transport aircraft today formally inducted in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at the Indian Air Force airbase in Hindan, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh today. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other dignitaries were also present during the induction ceremony. Earlier, Mr. Singh inaugurated the two-day Bharat Drone Shakti – 2023.
 
India has formalized the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet. As per the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in fly-away condition from its final assembly line at Seville. Forty aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies. All the C-295 aircraft will be handed over in transport configuration and equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. The Indian Air Force received the first C-295 MW transport aircraft at Seville in Spain on the 13th of this month which was attended by Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhari. The C-295 is used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, and for conducting logistic operations to locations that are not accessible for heavier aircraft.

Bharat Drone Shakti – 2023 is witnessing participation from more than 75 drone start-ups and companies. It is expected to attract around five thousand attendees, including representatives from central government, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, and representatives from friendly countries. Bharat Drone Shakti will give a fillip to India's commitment to becoming a global drone hub by 2030.