C-295 Full Motion Simulator Inaugurated at Air Force Station Agra
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, inaugurated the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) facility on November 11, 2024, at Air Force Station Agra. The facility allows a significant part of pilot training to be conducted in a controlled environment, thus saving crucial flying hours on actual aircraft.
The state-of-the-art simulator replicates real-world scenarios, enabling pilots to experience and train for missions such as tactical airlift, para-dropping, para-trooping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. It also simulates high-risk emergencies requiring split-second decisions, enhancing the pilots’ ability to manage critical situations effectively, thereby bolstering overall flight safety for military operations.
The induction of C-295 aircraft is a pivotal step in modernizing IAF’s transport fleet, replacing the outdated Avro-748 planes operational for over 60 years. This move supports the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, with Airbus supplying 16 aircraft in flyaway condition from Spain, while Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will manufacture 40 in India. As of now, six C-295 aircraft have been inducted into the IAF’s Vadodara-based 11 Squadron, with all deliveries slated to complete by August 2025.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for securing Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during conflicts. It was officially established on October 8, 1932, and is one of the largest and most powerful air forces in the world.
The primary role of the IAF is to protect India’s sovereignty and provide air support to the Army and Navy during combat operations. Its functions also include humanitarian aid, disaster relief, surveillance, reconnaissance, and peacekeeping operations.
In recent years, the IAF has focused on modernizing its fleet with advanced aircraft and technology, such as the acquisition of the Rafale jets and the development of indigenous aircraft like the Tejas. The force also faces challenges like maintaining a balance between its aging aircraft and the need for new acquisitions.
The IAF plays a crucial role in national security, participating in operations ranging from combat missions to disaster relief, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. It also strengthens India’s position in the global defense landscape.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Inauguration of C-295 Full Motion Simulator | Inaugurated on 11 Nov 2024 at Air Force Station Agra by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AOC-in-C Central Air Command. |
| Simulator Details | The simulator enables realistic training for missions like tactical airlift, para-dropping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. |
| Key Mission Training | Simulates high-risk emergencies, critical situations requiring quick decisions, enhancing pilot readiness and flight safety. |
| Induction of C-295 Aircraft | C-295 aircraft being inducted to replace Avro-748 fleet, as part of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. |
| Manufacturing of C-295 | 56 C-295 aircraft ordered, 16 to be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain, 40 to be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). |
| IAF Squadron | Six C-295 aircraft already inducted into IAF’s Vadodara-based 11 Squadron. |
| Contract Details | Contract worth Rs 21,935 crore signed in September 2021 between Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defense and Space SA, Spain. |
| Timeline | Last 16 flyaway aircraft to be delivered by August 2025. |
| Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit | Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command (CAC). |
| Air Force Station Agra | Location of the newly inaugurated C-295 Full Motion Simulator. |
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