Airbus Defence & Space has delivered the first C295 configured for search-and-rescue (SAR) missions to the Spanish Air and Space Force.
The aircraft was assembled at Airbus' final assembly line in Seville and will soon join the 46th Wing at Gando Air Base in Gran Canaria.
The delivery is part of Spain's effort to replace its fleet of CN235 VIGMA aircraft, which have been used for search-and-rescue missions since 2008. Madrid has ordered eight C295s in the SAR configuration.
Airbus says the new aircraft has greater range than the CN235 and will be used for national and international search-and-rescue missions, maritime surveillance and security operations.
Related news
June 11, 2026
Spain has ordered 34 C295s in three versions: eight SAR aircraft, eight maritime patrol aircraft and 18 transport variants.
Airbus plans to deliver two additional SAR aircraft before the end of this year, along with the first two transport-configured C295s ordered by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in 2025.
The first Spanish C295 configured as a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) is scheduled for delivery in 2028. The aircraft will replace the retired Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion fleet.
Airbus is increasing production at its Seville assembly line from 10 to 13 aircraft annually. The manufacturer says the C295 has accumulated 335 orders from operators in 39 countries.
