The first Airbus C295 Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft destined for the Spanish Air and Space Force successfully carried out its maiden flight at the manufacturer’s facilities in Seville. This aircraft is the first of a batch of eight units ordered to strengthen the country’s aerial search and rescue capabilities. Moreover, this milestone marks the beginning of the testing campaign prior to the delivery scheduled for 2026.
The project to incorporate these aircraft is part of a broader strategy by the Spanish Ministry of Defense, which in September 2025 approved the purchase of 18 new Airbus C295 transport aircraft to replace the C-212 Aviocar and CN-235 in tactical transport and surveillance roles. With this, it can be assumed that Spain seeks to unify its light and medium transport fleet around the C295, reducing maintenance costs and increasing interoperability with European allies.
On the other hand, it is important to mention that the new C295 SARs will replace the veteran CN235 VIGMA aircraft currently operated by the 802 Squadron of Wing 46 of the Spanish Air and Space Force, based in Gando, Gran Canaria. These aircraft have been, for decades, the backbone of maritime surveillance and air rescue operations, but their technological obsolescence and operational limitations compared to current standards made their replacement necessary.
The decision to modernize the fleet is part of the Spanish Ministry of Defense’s effort to strengthen air mobility and maritime surveillance capabilities, in a strategic environment marked by the increase in rescue operations in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, as well as by the need to interoperate with NATO and European Union allies.
The replacement also aligns with the strategy of supporting the national industry, given that Airbus maintains a strong presence in Spain with production centers in Seville, ensuring employment and technological transfer.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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