Spain has placed an order for 18 Airbus C295 transport aircraft as part of a programme to replace the CN235 and C212 fleets used for pilot and paratrooper training by the Spanish Air and Space Force.

The acquisition forms part of a broader objective to harmonise fleets and achieve maximum logistical and operational commonality with Spain’s existing C295 aircraft. With this latest order, the Spanish Air and Space Force will operate a total fleet of 46 C295s across transport, maritime patrol and surveillance missions.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said the order reinforces Spain’s long-term commitment to the C295 platform. He noted that the programme supports national strategic autonomy and sovereignty, while also contributing to the development of Spain’s aeronautical industry and its wider industrial ecosystem.

In transport configuration, the C295 can carry up to 70 troops or 50 paratroopers and is capable of operating from unprepared runways. The aircraft can conduct cargo and paratrooper drops and is also configured to perform medical evacuation missions.

To address the specific operational requirements of the Spanish Air and Space Force, the agreement is structured in two batches. The first group of aircraft will be dedicated to training and the transport of passengers, paratroopers and cargo at the Military Air Transport School at Matacán Air Base in Salamanca. These missions are currently performed by CN235 aircraft. Deliveries of the first batch are scheduled to begin in 2026, with the final aircraft arriving in 2028.

The second group of C295s will be assigned to manual and automatic paratrooper drops, as well as cargo drop missions. These aircraft will be delivered between 2030 and 2032 and will replace the C212 aircraft currently operated by the Military Parachuting School at Alcantarilla Air Base in Murcia.

The contract also includes an integrated training and fleet support package. This comprises an advanced ground training system tailored to the customer’s requirements, including multiple flight simulators, computer-aided teaching systems and training management software for both the Military Transport School in Salamanca and the Military Paratrooper School in Murcia.

In addition, comprehensive fleet support will be provided for the C295s operating at the Military Transport School. This support package covers aircraft maintenance, the management of all required materials, and the operation of the training centre through to December 2032.

The C295 is the market leader in its segment, with 329 orders from 38 countries across four continents and more than 710,000 flight hours accumulated to date. The aircraft is assembled at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain.