GETAFE: The Spanish Ministry of Defense has ordered 16, C295 military aircrafts from French based aircraft manufacturer Airbus for €1.695 billion, Western media reported on Wednesday.
Spain has ordered Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) configuration and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) configuration of the aircrafts.
These new aircrafts will strengthen the national anti-submarine warfare capability as well as increase and enhance its surveillance of Spanish Air Force and Spanish Navy.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space has said that the aircrafts will be fully designed and manufactured in Spain.
It is to be noted the Maritime Patrol version of C295 is the is the most complex configuration to date.
Under the deal training systems (Full Flight Simulator and Mission System Simulator) and an initial logistics support package will also be provided.
C295 MPA to replace P-3 Orion fleet
The C295 MPA will replace P-3 Orion fleet, which retired in 2022. The aircrafts will be equipped to carry out anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
It will be able to carry weapons such as torpedoes and other types of weapon systems.
The C295 MSA is the natural replacement for the CN-235 VIGMA aircraft, that had been with the Spanish Air and Space Force since 2008.
The airplanes will be assembled at Airbus’ military facilities in Seville.
