Aviation News – Spain has approved the purchase of 18 new C295MW aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space to modernize its Air and Space Force, replacing older CN235 and C212 transport planes.
The Spanish Council of Ministers confirmed the selection earlier this week, authorizing funding for the program that will support an Integrated Training System for Transport Pilots (ITS-TP). The deal will see Airbus Defence and Space deliver twelve tactical transport aircraft and six configured specifically for paratroop and cargo operations. The decision follows long-standing calls to update the fleet, which has been in service for decades.
The C295MWs will replace the eight CN235-100M aircraft currently flown by 744 Escuadrón at Salamanca/Matacán Air Base, alongside the eight CASA 212-100 aircraft operated by 721 Escuadrón at Murcia/Alcantarilla and 371 Escuadrón at Valladolid/Villanubla. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2028, ensuring a phased transition for Spain’s transport aviation units.
Equipped with modern avionics, greater payload capacity, and fuel-efficient engines, the C295MW offers improved operational flexibility. The aircraft can carry troops, cargo, or paratroopers while also enhancing training capabilities, making it a versatile asset for both national defense and international missions.
“By investing in the C295MW, Spain strengthens its air mobility capabilities while ensuring our pilots train on modern and reliable platforms,” said an Airbus Defence and Space spokesperson. “This program is not only about replacing aging aircraft but also about preparing the next generation of transport aviators.”
Looking ahead, the modernization effort is expected to enhance interoperability with NATO allies and extend Spain’s ability to respond rapidly to humanitarian missions, peacekeeping, and defense operations. The new fleet also supports domestic aerospace industry jobs, reinforcing Airbus’s role as a key defense partner.
The decision underscores Spain’s commitment to maintaining a capable and modern Air and Space Force. With deliveries set to begin in 2026, the transition to the C295MW marks a significant step in ensuring operational readiness for decades to come.
