IAF inducts C-295 tactical aircraft, first of 56 'Rhinos'

India has formally inducted its first C-295 tactical military airlift aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF). Defence minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of the defence and aerospace sectors for India's self-reliance. The first squadron of C-295 aircraft will be based in Vadodara, Gujarat. The initial 16 planes will be delivered by Airbus Defence and Space, with the remaining 40 to be produced at the Tata-Airbus facility.