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Airbus Military Secures Major Spanish Order for 18 C295 Transport Aircraft

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 8:10 GMT by AeroTime

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Airbus Military Secures Major Spanish Order for 18 C295 Transport Aircraft

In a significant boost to both Airbus Military’s commercial‑aircraft portfolio and Spain’s armed forces modernization program, Airbus has confirmed that the Spanish Ministry of Defence has placed a fresh order for 18 new C295 transport aircraft. The deal, announced in a press briefing held in Madrid, marks a decisive step in Spain’s ongoing effort to replace its aging fleet of C‑130 Hercules and to expand the operational flexibility of its air transport and special‑operations units.

The Order in Numbers

Under the new contract, Airbus will deliver 18 C295s to the Spanish Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Española, FAE) over a period that is expected to span the next decade. The aircraft will be built at Airbus’s manufacturing facility in Seville, a hub that has been the centrepiece of the company’s transport‑aircraft production line for more than 30 years. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2025, with the final aircraft due by the end of 2031.

The purchase price—approximately €250 million—includes a mix of standard and customised equipment packages. The Spanish order will incorporate the most advanced “C295 MHS” (Multi‑Role Transport and Helicopter Support) configuration, which provides the FAE with a versatile platform capable of both conventional cargo missions and special‑operations support, including air‑to‑air refuelling and airborne medical evacuation.

Why the C295? A Brief Technical Overview

The Airbus C295, a twin‑engine high‑wing turboprop, is the latest evolution of the company’s proven “A400M” family of aircraft. It shares many design philosophies with its larger sibling, but is tailored for medium‑range, tactical missions. Key features of the C295 include:

• High‑Wing, Strut‑Braced Design: Optimised for short‑take‑off and landing (STOL) operations from unpaved or austere runways.
• Advanced Mission Suite: Integrated avionics provide 4‑axis stabilisation, a 2‑axis fly‑by‑wire flight‑control system, and a sophisticated “Bendix‑Nash” digital cockpit. This allows rapid re‑configuration between cargo, passenger, medical, and special‑operations missions.
• Versatile Cargo Bay: A 20‑tonne payload capacity can be fitted with a rear loading ramp or a removable belly‑pod for modular mission systems.
• Enhanced Safety Systems: Dual‑rotor‑controlled flight‑control system, emergency landing capability on short runways, and advanced fire‑suppression systems.

For a deeper technical dive, the original article linked to the Airbus C295 page, which explains the aircraft’s performance envelope, range (up to 5,000 km with a 5‑tonne payload), and power‑plant (two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW140 turboprops, each delivering 3,500 shp).

Context: Spain’s Modernisation Push

Spain’s defence ministry has been steadily modernising its air fleet for the past decade. The new C295 order follows a 2019 contract for 10 aircraft and a 2022 agreement to procure eight more in a “C295‑C” configuration, which is an upgraded version of the standard model that includes the latest mission‑management system and improved engines. These earlier deals were announced by Defence Minister Margarita Robles during the annual “Defence Expo” in Seville.

The acquisition aligns with Spain’s broader “Plan de Modernización de la Defensa” (Defense Modernisation Plan) which emphasises the replacement of older platforms (C‑130s, C‑27J Spartan) and the enhancement of tactical airlift, maritime patrol, and special‑operations capabilities. The new C295 fleet is expected to provide:

• Tactical Airlift: Rapid deployment of troops and equipment to forward operating bases.
• Maritime Support: Assistance to the Spanish Navy’s amphibious operations and coast‑guard missions.
• Medical Evacuation: On‑board medical facilities for casualty evacuation during humanitarian missions or conflict operations.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): Equipped with a rescue‑drowning‑suite (RDS) and high‑capacity cargo bay for SAR equipment.

A quote from the Spanish Minister of Defence, Dr. Margarita Robles, highlighted the significance of the deal: “The C295 will strengthen Spain’s ability to respond quickly to humanitarian crises, support international peace‑keeping missions, and reinforce our special‑operations forces.” The Airbus Military spokesperson echoed this sentiment, noting that the Spanish order underscores the aircraft’s “proven versatility and reliability on the European market.”

Economic Impact & European Collaboration

The procurement will generate hundreds of jobs in Seville and throughout the Spanish supply chain, reinforcing the local defence industry. Airbus Military CEO, Jean‑Marc Leclerc, underscored the economic benefit: “The C295 programme provides high‑value employment for thousands of skilled workers across Spain, from design engineers to manufacturing specialists.”

Beyond the economic dimension, the order also reflects deeper European defence cooperation. The C295’s design is in line with the European Union’s “Made in Europe” initiatives, ensuring that the procurement supports strategic autonomy in the defence sector. Spain’s participation in the C295 programme strengthens its ties with other European nations that operate the aircraft, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, and facilitates joint training and logistics interoperability.

Timeline & Next Steps

• 2025–2027: First C295s delivered to the Spanish Air Force’s “Escuela de Vuelo” (Flying School) at the Zaragoza Air Base for initial crew training.
• 2028–2030: Full fleet operational, with all aircraft integrated into the FAE’s transport, special‑operations, and SAR units.
• 2031: Final delivery and formal commissioning of the 18th aircraft.

In the meantime, Airbus will continue to refine the C295 MHS variant based on feedback from Spanish operators. This iterative improvement cycle is a hallmark of Airbus Military’s customer‑centric approach and has been praised by several European air forces for its responsiveness to operational needs.

Final Take‑away

Airbus’s latest contract for 18 C295 aircraft solidifies the company’s position as a leading provider of medium‑range transport solutions across Europe. For Spain, the order marks a decisive stride toward modernising its tactical aviation capabilities, ensuring that the nation remains ready to meet the demands of rapid deployment, humanitarian assistance, and complex special‑operations missions in an increasingly volatile security environment. The collaboration not only underscores the aircraft’s technical merits but also bolsters the regional defence industry, reinforcing economic resilience and strategic autonomy in the European context.