On February 27, 2025, the Mozambique Air Force officially welcomed a new Airbus C295W tactical transport aircraft into its fleet, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its aerial capabilities.
The aircraft, bearing the designation FA655, completed its delivery journey from Seville, Spain, where it departed on February 24, arriving in Maputo after stopovers in Senegal, Benin, and Angola. The aircraft was acquired in 2024. This acquisition highlights Mozambique’s commitment to enhancing its transport fleet to meet both military and humanitarian demands in a region marked by diverse operational challenges.
The C295W is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft renowned for its versatility and reliability. Capable of transporting cargo, troops, and special forces, it can also deploy paratroopers and operate from short, unprepared runways—features that make it ideally suited to the rugged terrains and logistical complexities of Mozambique.
The aircraft’s adaptability positions it as a critical tool for the Mozambican Air Force, particularly in supporting operations in the northern provinces, where an Islamist insurgency has posed a persistent threat since 2017.
This delivery follows a pattern of fleet expansion for Mozambique. In late 2022, the Air Force acquired a second-hand CN235M and a Let-410 from South Africa’s Paramount Group, both of which have been utilized for cargo transport, troop movements, and special forces deployment. The addition of the C295W enhances these capabilities, offering greater capacity and operational flexibility to address the country’s evolving needs.
While Airbus has not officially confirmed the order, the company has referenced an undisclosed African customer for the C295, widely presumed to be Mozambique. The aircraft was first observed in mid-2024 undergoing flight testing in Seville, adorned with temporary Spanish markings, hinting at its eventual destination. Its arrival in Maputo now solidifies Mozambique’s place among a growing roster of African nations embracing the C295 platform.
Mozambique’s acquisition of the C295W reflects its deepening ties with international defense partners. Beyond Airbus, the country has cultivated a strong relationship with Paramount Group, which has supplied not only the CN235M and Let-410 but also refurbished Mi-24, Mi-8/17, and Gazelle helicopters. Additionally, Mozambique serves as the launch customer for Paramount’s Mwari multi-role aircraft, with three units ordered and operational since December 2022 in counterinsurgency efforts in the north. This blend of European and African-sourced equipment highlights a strategic approach to building a modern, capable air force.
The C295’s Growing Footprint in Africa
Mozambique’s adoption of the C295W aligns with a broader trend across the continent, where Airbus has steadily expanded its customer base. Ten African nations now operate or have ordered a total of 44 C295 aircraft, which have collectively logged over 100,000 flight hours since 2005. Recent examples include Angola, which received the first of three C295s in July 2024—two configured for maritime surveillance with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS)—and Mali, which ordered an additional unit in 2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other operators include: Algeria (6 aircraft), Angola (2 aircraft), Egypt (24 aircraft), Equatorial Guinea (2 on order), Mali (2 aircraft), Gabon (1 aircraft), Burkina Faso (1 aircraft), Ivory Coast (1 aircraft), Ghana (3 aircraft), Senegal (1 delivered, 1 on order), Nigeria (2 on order).
Africa has proven a consistent market for the C295, with orders placed annually since 2018. Airbus attributes this success to the aircraft’s “resiliency and outstanding performance” in demanding conditions. A notable example is the Senegal Air Force’s peacekeeping mission in Mali in September 2023, where a C295 completed 28 troop rotations over 14 days, averaging 16 flight hours daily—a testament to its endurance and reliability.
Enhancing Mozambique’s Operational Reach
For Mozambique, the C295W promises to be a game-changer. Its ability to perform in austere environments and adapt to multiple roles—from troop transport to humanitarian missions—will bolster the Air Force’s capacity to respond to crises, whether combating insurgencies or delivering aid in the wake of natural disasters. With a coastline stretching over 2,500 kilometers and a history of security and logistical challenges, Mozambique stands to benefit significantly from this strategic addition.
