The Spanish Ministry of Defence has acquired 18 C-295 transport aircraft to replace the CN-235 and C-212 fleets dedicated to the training of pilots and paratroopers of the Spanish Air and Space Force.

The objective of this programme is to harmonise fleets and achieve maximum logistical and operational commonality with the C-295 fleet currently operated by Spain.

The C-295s in transport configuration have the capacity to carry 70 troops or 50 paratroopers, take off and land on unprepared runways, perform cargo and paratrooper drops, as well as perform medical evacuation.

To meet the specific requirements of the Spanish Air and Space Force, the agreement is divided into two batches. The first group of C-295s will be dedicated to training and the transport of passengers, paratroopers, and cargo at the Military Air Transport School at Matacán Air Base in Salamanca. These tasks are currently performed by CN-235 aircraft. The first of these aircraft will be delivered in 2026 and the last in 2028.

The second group of C-295s will be used for manual and automatic paratrooper drops, as well as cargo drops, with deliveries scheduled between 2030 and 2032. Currently, these tasks are carried out at the Military Parachuting School at Alcantarilla Air Base in Murcia, using C-212 aircraft.

Integrated Training and Fleet Support Package

The agreement includes the supply of an advanced ground training system designed in accordance with the customer's needs to maximise the efficiency of instructional flights. This system encompasses several flight simulators, computer-aided teaching systems, and training management software for the Military Transport School in Salamanca and the Military Paratrooper School in Murcia.

The contract also includes comprehensive support for the C-295 fleet at the Military Transport School, which will cover aircraft maintenance, the management of all necessary material for the aircraft, and the management of the training centre until December 2032.

The C-295 is the reference in its segment with 329 orders from 38 countries across four continents and more than 710,000 flight hours. The aircraft is assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain.