Context

The seventh anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC), ‘Abhay’, is being built by India's leading shipbuilding.

Contract

2019 contract between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

Indigenous Content

Over 80 percent.

Primary Operations

Anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters; capable of Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine-laying activities.

Capabilities

Subsurface surveillance in coastal waters; tracking surface and underwater targets; coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft.

Propulsion

Waterjet-propelled; capable of speeds up to 25 knots.

Armament

30 mm Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Control Guns, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines.

Sonar Systems

Hull-mounted sonar and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar for underwater surveillance.

Purpose

Enhancing the Navy’s operational reach and defensive capabilities along India’s coastlines; designed for agility and swift response in tactical situations.

Defensive and Offensive Assets

Advanced anti-submarine warfare suite; torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines; robust defense against aerial and surface threats.

Context

Prime Minister inaugurated a plant in Vadodara, where Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will manufacture the C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Aircraft Type

New-generation tactical airlifted in the light and medium segment.

Manufacturer

Airbus, European multinational aerospace corporation.

Mission Capabilities

Troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, airborne warning, surveillance, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, armed close air support, medical evacuation, Air-to-Air refueling, VIP transport, airborne firefighting.

Weather Capability

All-weather conditions.

Payload Capacity

Up to 9 tonnes of payload or 71 troops.

Maximum Cruise Speed

260 knots.

Low-Level Flight Capability

Designed for low-level flight at speeds as slow as 110 knots for tactical missions.

Rear Ramp Door

For quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.

Engines

Powered by two turboprop engines.

Short Take-off and Landing (STOL)

Capable of STOL and using unprepared airstrips. (A short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft is a conventional fixed-wing aircraft that has short runway requirements for takeoff and landing.)

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about C295 aircraft:

1. It is a tactical airlifter designed and built by Airbus.
2. It has the capability to operate in all weather conditions and can carry up to 9 tonnes of payload.
3. It is equipped with advanced stealth technology for military operations.

How many of the above-given statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The aircraft, designed and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, is versatile and can perform a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo airlift, medical evacuation, and maritime patrol.

Statement 2 is correct: The C-295 is a versatile, new-generation tactical airlift aircraft with a payload capacity of 9.5 tonnes and is specialised in air transport missions, under all types of weather conditions both during day and night.Statement 3 is incorrect: The C295 is not equipped with advanced stealth technology. It is designed for tactical airlift missions, not stealth operations.