The aerospace company Airbus reported new progress in the construction of the new C295 aircraft in their respective transport, maritime patrol and surveillance versions intended for the Spanish Air and Space Force. According to the company, its final assembly line is currently occupied with four aircraft in simultaneous production in three different configurations, all intended to strengthen the operational capabilities of Spain’s Armed Forces to carry out missions ranging from military tactical transport to maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance.
According to a recent post on social media, the aircraft currently under manufacture include variants for tactical transport, maritime surveillance and maritime patrol. Airbus indicated that the C295 continues to consolidate itself as a widely used platform in its segment, while maintaining its industrial development linked to the Spanish aeronautical industry.
The production of these aircraft forms part of a broader program aimed at modernizing the air fleet of the Spanish Air and Space Force. In September 2025, Spain’s Ministry of Defence approved the purchase of 18 new C295 transport aircraft with the objective of progressively replacing the C-212 Aviocar and CN-235 aircraft used in tactical transport and surveillance tasks.
This decision aims at unifying the light and medium transport fleet around the C295 model, which would allow the simplification of logistics and maintenance processes. In addition, the standardization of the platform would facilitate interoperability with other European air forces that also operate this aircraft.
Within this program, in November 2025 the first C295 in search and rescue configuration carried out its maiden flight at Airbus facilities in Seville. The aircraft corresponds to the Search and Rescue (SAR) version and is part of an initial batch of eight units intended to strengthen the country’s aerial rescue capabilities.
The flight marked the beginning of the test campaign prior to delivery scheduled for 2026. These evaluations will make it possible to validate the performance of the aircraft and its systems before its operational incorporation into the units of the Spanish Air and Space Force.
Subsequently, on December 23, 2025, the Ministry of Defence confirmed from Getafe the acquisition of 18 additional C295 transport aircraft intended to replace the current CN-235 and C-212 fleets used in pilot training missions, paratrooper training and tactical transport. The program seeks to maximize logistical and operational commonality within the Air Force.
In this regard, Jean-Brice Dumont, head of the air power area at Airbus Defence and Space, had stated at the time that “this order reaffirms Spain’s commitment to the C295, strengthening national strategic autonomy and sovereignty while boosting the development of the Spanish aeronautical industry and the entire industrial ecosystem.” He also added that “with this contract, the Spanish Air and Space Force will operate a fleet of 46 C295 aircraft in transport, maritime patrol and surveillance configurations.”
*Images obtained from Airbus Defence.
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