Spain’s Ministry of Defence has closed a €1.695 billion deal with Airbus for 16 C295 aircraft in Maritime Patrol and Surveillance configurations.
The aircraft will bolster Spain’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and surveillance efforts significantly.
The C295 MPA will take the place of P-3 Orion aircraft that were retired at the end of 2022 and will perform anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and armament capabilities. It also offers advanced connectivity for collaborative operations.
Also, the C295 MSA will replace CN-235 VIGMA planes, focusing on maritime operations, anti-smuggling, anti-illegal immigration, and search-and-rescue missions.
The contract also includes training systems (Full Flight Simulator and Mission System Simulator) and an initial logistics support package.
“The aircraft will be fully designed and manufactured in Spain, fostering the national industrial defence footprint and sovereignty” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “In particular, the Maritime Patrol version is the most complex C295 mission configuration to date. A major development project that will bring together the latest technologies to provide an operational advantage to our customer.”
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Both aircraft configurations complement each other, showcasing Spain’s comprehensive approach to addressing diverse operational needs. The assembly of these aircraft will take place at Airbus’ military facilities in Seville.
The Spanish Air Force also operates a fleet of 13 Airbus C295 in transport configuration.
