Defence

India’s C-295 to Gain Advanced Weapons for Maritime Surveillance

In a major step towards enhancing its maritime defense capabilities, India has unveiled a weaponized version of the Airbus C-295, designed to significantly bolster the Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s ability to patrol and secure its vast coastline.

Recently inaugurated at the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, this modified C-295 platform is poised to play a key role in both maritime surveillance and defense.

The new aircraft, tailored for India’s specific needs, will be equipped with advanced weapon systems, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sonobuoys, making it a formidable asset in the country’s maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions.

The modified C-295 will be deployed in two key roles: as the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) for the Indian Coast Guard and the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft for the Indian Navy. These specialized platforms are designed to enhance India’s ability to monitor and defend its extensive maritime borders, offering greater flexibility and precision in operations.

A key feature of the weaponized C-295 is its ability to carry advanced weapon systems, making it a versatile platform for both offensive and defensive operations. The aircraft will be equipped with multiple hard points, allowing it to deploy various weapons systems to effectively counter maritime threats.

One of the most significant upgrades is the integration of anti-ship missile capabilities. The modified C-295 will be able to carry DRDO’s NASM-SR (Short-Range) and NASM-MR (Medium-Range) anti-ship missiles, enabling the aircraft to carry out precision strikes against enemy vessels.

Torpedo-Launching and Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities
In addition to its missile capabilities, the weaponized C-295 will be equipped with the ability to deploy the Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL), developed by the DRDO. This torpedo system is designed to neutralize underwater threats, particularly enemy submarines, enhancing the platform’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.

With its torpedo-launching capability, the C-295 will be able to respond effectively to the growing threat of submarines in India’s waters.

Moreover, the C-295 will be fitted with air-launched sonobuoys, an essential tool in maritime surveillance and submarine detection. Sonobuoys play a crucial role in locating and tracking submarines, making them an invaluable asset for anti-submarine warfare missions.

The integration of sonobuoys will further enhance the C-295’s effectiveness in maritime patrol operations, ensuring that the platform is capable of detecting and countering both surface and underwater threats.

A Complementary Addition to India’s Maritime Fleet
The introduction of the MMMA and MRMR variants of the C-295 will significantly enhance India’s maritime patrol capabilities, complementing existing platforms such as the Boeing P-8I, which is primarily used for long-range maritime reconnaissance.

While the P-8I offers excellent long-range capabilities, the C-295’s medium-range features provide a cost-effective and versatile solution for missions that require flexibility and endurance. This makes the C-295 an ideal platform for a range of maritime patrol tasks, from surveillance to strike missions.

With the integration of advanced weapon systems such as anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sonobuoys, the weaponized C-295 will dramatically enhance India’s maritime security capabilities.

Defence

Turkey Scraps F-16 Upgrade Deal, Chooses Domestic Tech

In a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy, Türkiye has scaled down its $23 billion F-16 fighter jet package from the United States.

The revised deal, announced on Tuesday, excludes the purchase of 79 modernization kits for its existing fleet of F-16s. Instead, Türkiye will rely on its domestic aerospace industry to upgrade its aircraft, showcasing the growing capabilities of Turkish defense manufacturers.

According to Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Türkiye has already made an initial payment of $1.4 billion for the procurement of 40 new F-16 Block 70 Viper jets from Lockheed Martin.

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“We opted out of buying the 79 modernization kits because our Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) are capable of conducting these upgrades independently,” Güler stated. The decision highlights Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities while still acquiring new aircraft from the U.S.

The new agreement, which includes the 40 F-16 Block 70 jets and associated ammunition, is expected to cost approximately $7 billion.

The Block 70 variant, also known as the “Viper,” features advanced technologies such as the Northrop Grumman APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, a modernized cockpit, improved networking capabilities, a new mission computer, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and an upgraded communications suite.

However, it remains unclear which of these upgrades Turkish Aerospace Industries will undertake independently for the existing fleet. Türkiye’s original order for the F-16 jets was placed in October 2021, two years after it was removed from the fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

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The exclusion followed Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which led to U.S. sanctions and the termination of Türkiye’s participation in the multinational F-35 project.

Despite the setback, Türkiye remains determined to rejoin the F-35 program and acquire 40 new F-35 jets.

“We insist on reclaiming our production share and maintain our request to acquire F-35s,” Güler emphasized, adding that while there are indications of willingness from the U.S. to discuss the matter, no concrete progress has been made.

Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to advance its domestic fighter jet program. The country’s fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan, completed its maiden flight in February 2024, and mass production is expected to begin by 2028.

This ambitious project underscores Türkiye’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign military technology and bolster its domestic defense industry.