Airbus Defense and Space and India's Tata Advanced Systems have teamed for a contract to supply C295 military transports to the Indian Air Force.

The bid submitted is for a total of 56 C295s, which would replace Avro aircraft now in use.

"We firmly believe that, in the C295, we have clearly the best aircraft to replace the IAF Avro fleet and, in Tata Advanced Systems, we have secured the cream of the Indian private aerospace sector as our partner for this project," said Airbus Defense and Space Executive Vice President, Military Aircraft, Domingo Urena Raso.

"The C295 is a superbly reliable and tough aircraft with outstanding economics which is proven in the most difficult operating conditions all over the world. It has already been ordered by 19 countries, many of which have placed repeat orders."

If India selects the joint bid, Airbus Defense and Space will produce the first 16 aircraft on its own assembly line. The remaining 40 C295s will be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems.

Tata would also perform systems integration and testing of the aircraft.

"We are extremely pleased to announce our partnership with Airbus Defense and Space for the Avro replacement program for the Indian Air Force," S. Ramadorai, chairman of Tata Advanced Systems said.

"It is a landmark for the development of aircraft manufacturing capability in India, now that Tata Advanced Systems is poised to take this step toward building entire aircraft in India."

The C295 is a turboprop transport that can carry a payload of 20,400 pounds. It has a cruise speed of 300 miles per hour and a range of about 800 miles with maximum payload.