IAF Inaugurates Advanced C-295 Full Motion Simulator at Agra Air Base

The C-295 simulator installation comes as part of India’s broader modernization and self-reliance initiative in defence, known as "Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command (CAC), inaugurated the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) state-of-the-art C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) facility on November 11, 2024, at Air Force Station Agra. This high-tech simulator represents a milestone in pilot training, allowing for significant training hours to be conducted in a controlled environment rather than on the actual aircraft, ultimately conserving valuable flying hours and resources.

The newly established simulator offers a near-realistic training experience for IAF pilots, who will be able to conduct a range of mission simulations in a safe yet challenging environment. Training scenarios include tactical airlift, para-dropping, para-trooping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. The simulator’s ability to replicate various emergency situations prepares pilots to manage critical, high-stress scenarios that require rapid decision-making, thereby significantly enhancing operational readiness and flight safety.

With its detailed replication of the C-295 aircraft’s systems and performance, the FMS also allows pilots to refine their skills in handling emergency situations and complex flight manoeuvres that would otherwise be risky or impractical to rehearse on live missions. Such advanced simulation-based training not only increases flight safety but also boosts pilots’ confidence and precision in performing complex air operations.

The C-295 simulator installation comes as part of India’s broader modernization and self-reliance initiative in defence, known as "Atmanirbhar Bharat." The C-295 transport aircraft, produced by Airbus and assembled in India under a collaboration with Tata, represents a critical step forward for India’s aerospace ecosystem, marking the beginning of private sector involvement in aircraft production. This initiative supports India’s goal of self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing and strengthens the country’s indigenous aerospace industry.

The integration of the C-295 FMS, in tandem with the fleet of newly inducted C-295 aircraft, is expected to significantly bolster the IAF’s capabilities in tactical airlift and mission-specific training, reinforcing India's defence infrastructure and operational readiness.