NEW DELHI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- India's defense ministry on Friday signed a deal with Airbus Defense and Space, Spain on the procurement of 56 C-295 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"The Ministry of defense signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defense and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295 MW transport aircraft for the IAF, " the ministry said in a statement.

The contract was signed following the approval by the cabinet committee on security earlier this month, officials said.

The C-295 aircraft is expected to replace the Avro-748 planes of IAF.

"It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF. The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo," the statement said.

"The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF," it said.

According to the Indian defense ministry, the induction of C-295 will be a significant step towards modernization of the IAF transport fleet.

Under the deal, 16 aircraft will be delivered in a flyaway condition by Airbus Defense and Space within 48 months of signing the contract, and the remaining 40 planes will be manufactured in India by a consortium of the Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) within 10 years of signing the contract.

"The project will provide a major boost to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (self-reliant India initiative) of the government that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry, " the statement added.

"All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous electronic warfare suite," it noted. Enditem

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