Airbus has announced the successful maiden flight of Spain’s first C295 Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft, which took off from the company’s final assembly line in Seville on 12 November 2025. The milestone marks a key step in Spain’s ongoing program to renew its maritime surveillance and patrol fleet.
The €1.695 billion contract, signed in December 2023, covers 16 C295 aircraft in both MSA (Maritime Surveillance Aircraft) and MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) variants. Deliveries will begin in 2026, gradually replacing the CN235 VIGMA platforms currently operated by the 46th Wing at Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands.
The Spanish C295 SAR variant features Airbus Defence and Space’s Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) — a mission suite that fuses radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, AIS, and direction-finding equipment into modular consoles, reducing crew workload and improving situational awareness. FITS enables the generation and sharing of a Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP/COP) with coordination centers and surface assets in real time.
Designed for long-endurance operations, the C295 can remain airborne for up to 13 hours, carry up to 8 tons of payload, and benefits from standard winglets that enhance hot-and-high performance while improving fuel efficiency by up to 6%. Its 12.69-meter pressurized cabin and rear ramp allow rapid reconfiguration between cargo, medical evacuation, or survival equipment roles.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, the aircraft combines fuel efficiency with reliable low-altitude handling, ensuring precision during maritime search and rescue missions. The Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion cockpit integrates large touch displays, night-vision compatibility, and compliance with both civil and military standards (ADS-B Out, TCAS II, CPDLC, LNAV/VNAV).
This first flight comes at a time when Spain faces increasing maritime security demands due to migration routes and trafficking challenges across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The new C295 fleet will significantly enhance Spain’s SAR coverage, interoperability with NATO and EU partners, and overall contribution to maritime safety along Europe’s southern flank.
