Airbus’ C295 Transporter.
Spain Air Force Orders 18 Airbus C295 Transport Aircraft: Getafe, Spain, 23 December 2025 — The Spanish Ministry of Defence has placed an order for 18 Airbus C295 transport aircraft to replace the Spanish Air and Space Force’s ageing CN235 and C212 fleets used for pilot and paratrooper training.
The acquisition is aimed at harmonising Spain’s military transport fleets and maximising logistical and operational commonality with the C295 aircraft already in service. With the new order, Spain will further standardise on the C295 platform across multiple missions.
“This order reaffirms Spain’s commitment to the C295, reinforcing national strategic autonomy and sovereignty while boosting the development of the Spanish aeronautical industry and the entire industrial ecosystem,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. He added that the contract will bring the Spanish Air and Space Force’s total C295 fleet to 46 aircraft, covering transport, maritime patrol and surveillance roles.
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In its transport configuration, the C295 can carry up to 70 troops or 50 paratroopers and is capable of operating from unprepared runways. The aircraft supports a wide range of missions, including cargo and paratrooper drops and medical evacuation.
Two-phase delivery programme
To meet the specific operational needs of the Spanish Air and Space Force, the programme is divided into 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 aircraft will replace the CN235 fleet currently used for these tasks, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 to 2028.
The second batch will focus on manual and automatic paratrooper drops, as well as cargo drop missions. These aircraft will replace the C212s currently operated at the Military Parachuting School at Alcantarilla Air Base in Murcia. Deliveries for this group are planned between 2030 and 2032.
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Training and support package
The contract also includes an integrated training and fleet support package. Airbus will supply an advanced ground training system tailored to the Air and Space Force’s requirements, including flight simulators, computer-aided teaching systems and training management software for both training schools in Salamanca and Murcia.
In addition, Airbus will provide comprehensive fleet support at the Military Transport School, covering aircraft maintenance, material management and the operation of the training centre through to December 2032.
The C295 is the market leader in its class, with 329 aircraft ordered by 38 countries worldwide and more than 710,000 flight hours accumulated. All C295 aircraft are assembled at Airbus Defence and Space’s facilities in Seville, underlining the programme’s contribution to Spain’s domestic aerospace industry.