Spain Orders Airbus C295 Aircraft for Maritime Patrol, Surveillance Aircraft for $2B

Defense News , Spain :- In a significant move, Spain has committed €1.7 billion (U.S. $1.9 billion) to acquire 16 Airbus C295 aircraft tailored for maritime patrol and surveillance applications, Airbus announced on Wednesday.

The procurement includes six maritime patrol variants designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, set to replace the retired Spanish P-3 Orion fleet from the end of 2022. Outfitted with advanced technology such as magnetic anomaly detectors, sonobuoys for submarine detection, and a multimode radar for long-range target detection, these aircraft will also feature satellite communications capabilities. The aircraft will serve as "highly connected" flying command-and-control centers, equipped with torpedoes for added defensive capabilities.

Simultaneously, the remaining 10 C295 aircraft, configured for maritime surveillance, are slated to replace Spain aging CN-235 fleet, which has been in operation since 1988. Airbus plans to equip these aircraft to combat illegal activities such as smuggling, illegal migration, and drug trafficking, as well as conduct search and rescue missions.

Spain, already operating a fleet of 13 C295 aircraft in a transport configuration, anticipates a seamless integration with the two new maritime versions. Assembly of the aircraft will take place at Airbus military facilities in Seville, with the first C295 in the maritime patrol configuration expected to be delivered in 2027, followed by the surveillance configuration in the subsequent year, and the final aircraft in 2031. The C295, originally designed and manufactured by CASA, a predecessor company of Airbus, boasts an impressive track record with a total of 283 planes ordered by the end of November, 216 of which have already been delivered.

The contract encompasses comprehensive training systems, including a full flight simulator, along with an initial logistics support package. The government, having approved the budget for the C295 aircraft in June, officially signed the contract in September. This move further solidifies the C295s export success for Airbus, with notable orders from the Indian Air Force as well.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney turboprops, the C295 has a maximum takeoff weight of 23 metric tons. According to Airbus, the armed maritime patrol version can operate for two and a half hours at a distance of 800 nautical miles from takeoff and up to six and a half hours at a distance of 400 nautical miles. This strategic investment reflects Spain commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities with cutting-edge technology.