Poland to Enhance NATO Logistical Combat Capabilities Through Airbus C-295M Upgrades
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On December 13, 2024, a contract to modernize Poland’s fleet of C-295M CASA transport aircraft was signed at the headquarters of Airbus Defence and Space in Warsaw. The €102.7 million agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening Poland’s air capabilities. Overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and the Minister of National Defense, the project aims to upgrade 16 aircraft by 2033. Two aircraft will undergo modernization in Spain, while the remaining 14 will be refurbished in Poland by Airbus Poland SA, highlighting local expertise and European cooperation.
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Polish Airbus C-295M Transport Aircraft (Picture source: Polish MoD)
The C-295M CASA aircraft, introduced to the Polish Air Force in 2003, were designed to meet the tactical transport needs of the armed forces with exceptional versatility. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, each delivering 2,645 horsepower, the aircraft are capable of short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations on runways as short as 670 meters, even in austere conditions. With a maximum payload capacity of 9.25 tons, the C-295M can transport up to 71 fully equipped soldiers, 50 paratroopers with full gear, or a combination of cargo and personnel. In medical evacuation configurations, the aircraft can carry 24 stretchers and 4 medical personnel. With an operational range of 4,500 km at full payload and a maximum flight endurance of 11 hours, these aircraft were ideal for inter-theater missions and humanitarian operations. Initially equipped with the Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite, including inertial navigation and GPS systems, the C-295M was well-suited for all-weather military missions.
The announced modernization program, scheduled between 2025 and 2033, aims to transform the C-295M into more advanced aircraft that meet NATO’s technological standards. The current avionics will be replaced with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion digital suite, featuring high-definition touchscreen displays, advanced digital mapping, and compatibility with modern mission management systems. Communication capabilities will be enhanced with the integration of Harris AN/PRC-117G multiband radios and Thales Viasat satellite communication systems, ensuring secure transmissions even in contested environments.
For improved security, the aircraft will be equipped with Leonardo Mode 5/S identification friend or foe (IFF) systems and AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System). Additional countermeasures will include infrared flare dispensers and electronic jamming systems to boost defense against surface-to-air threats. Specific upgrades for airdrop missions will include a new Airbus-developed drop management system, enhancing the precision and coordination of paratrooper and cargo deployments. The engines will also be optimized for better fuel efficiency, extending the aircraft’s operational lifespan while reducing operational costs.
The C-295M CASA has been a crucial asset for the Polish Air Force since its introduction in 2003, replacing the aging fleet of Antonov An-26 aircraft. Poland initially ordered 8 units in 2001, delivered between 2003 and 2005. Their success in missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid led to an additional order for 8 more aircraft between 2007 and 2013, bringing the total to 16 aircraft. Around 60% of these aircraft were assembled in Poland, reflecting a strong collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Poland SA, fostering industrial and technical expertise within the country.
These aircraft have excelled in key operations, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, where their ability to operate on unprepared runways proved invaluable. With a payload capacity of 9 tons and a flight endurance exceeding 11 hours, the C-295M has consistently met the tactical and logistical needs of the Polish Armed Forces.
The modernized C-295M aircraft will play a strategic role in Poland’s future NATO missions, bolstering the alliance’s logistical and force-projection capabilities. With advanced avionics and secure, interoperable communication systems, these aircraft will be essential for transporting troops, military equipment, and supplies to conflict zones or crisis areas. Their adaptability will make them indispensable for multinational missions requiring close coordination, such as logistical support for NATO’s Response Force (NRF) or humanitarian crisis operations. Additionally, their enhanced airdrop capabilities will support NATO’s airborne deployments in challenging environments. Equipped with modern defensive systems and navigation tools, the upgraded C-295M will be capable of operating effectively in contested areas, playing a vital role in joint exercises and operations aimed at bolstering deterrence and collective security along NATO’s eastern flank.
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On December 13, 2024, a contract to modernize Poland’s fleet of C-295M CASA transport aircraft was signed at the headquarters of Airbus Defence and Space in Warsaw. The €102.7 million agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening Poland’s air capabilities. Overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and the Minister of National Defense, the project aims to upgrade 16 aircraft by 2033. Two aircraft will undergo modernization in Spain, while the remaining 14 will be refurbished in Poland by Airbus Poland SA, highlighting local expertise and European cooperation.
Polish Airbus C-295M Transport Aircraft (Picture source: Polish MoD)
The C-295M CASA aircraft, introduced to the Polish Air Force in 2003, were designed to meet the tactical transport needs of the armed forces with exceptional versatility. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, each delivering 2,645 horsepower, the aircraft are capable of short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations on runways as short as 670 meters, even in austere conditions. With a maximum payload capacity of 9.25 tons, the C-295M can transport up to 71 fully equipped soldiers, 50 paratroopers with full gear, or a combination of cargo and personnel. In medical evacuation configurations, the aircraft can carry 24 stretchers and 4 medical personnel. With an operational range of 4,500 km at full payload and a maximum flight endurance of 11 hours, these aircraft were ideal for inter-theater missions and humanitarian operations. Initially equipped with the Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite, including inertial navigation and GPS systems, the C-295M was well-suited for all-weather military missions.
The announced modernization program, scheduled between 2025 and 2033, aims to transform the C-295M into more advanced aircraft that meet NATO’s technological standards. The current avionics will be replaced with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion digital suite, featuring high-definition touchscreen displays, advanced digital mapping, and compatibility with modern mission management systems. Communication capabilities will be enhanced with the integration of Harris AN/PRC-117G multiband radios and Thales Viasat satellite communication systems, ensuring secure transmissions even in contested environments.
For improved security, the aircraft will be equipped with Leonardo Mode 5/S identification friend or foe (IFF) systems and AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System). Additional countermeasures will include infrared flare dispensers and electronic jamming systems to boost defense against surface-to-air threats. Specific upgrades for airdrop missions will include a new Airbus-developed drop management system, enhancing the precision and coordination of paratrooper and cargo deployments. The engines will also be optimized for better fuel efficiency, extending the aircraft’s operational lifespan while reducing operational costs.
The C-295M CASA has been a crucial asset for the Polish Air Force since its introduction in 2003, replacing the aging fleet of Antonov An-26 aircraft. Poland initially ordered 8 units in 2001, delivered between 2003 and 2005. Their success in missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid led to an additional order for 8 more aircraft between 2007 and 2013, bringing the total to 16 aircraft. Around 60% of these aircraft were assembled in Poland, reflecting a strong collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Poland SA, fostering industrial and technical expertise within the country.
These aircraft have excelled in key operations, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, where their ability to operate on unprepared runways proved invaluable. With a payload capacity of 9 tons and a flight endurance exceeding 11 hours, the C-295M has consistently met the tactical and logistical needs of the Polish Armed Forces.
The modernized C-295M aircraft will play a strategic role in Poland’s future NATO missions, bolstering the alliance’s logistical and force-projection capabilities. With advanced avionics and secure, interoperable communication systems, these aircraft will be essential for transporting troops, military equipment, and supplies to conflict zones or crisis areas. Their adaptability will make them indispensable for multinational missions requiring close coordination, such as logistical support for NATO’s Response Force (NRF) or humanitarian crisis operations. Additionally, their enhanced airdrop capabilities will support NATO’s airborne deployments in challenging environments. Equipped with modern defensive systems and navigation tools, the upgraded C-295M will be capable of operating effectively in contested areas, playing a vital role in joint exercises and operations aimed at bolstering deterrence and collective security along NATO’s eastern flank.
