Airbus prepares first Spanish C295 MSAs for maiden flight
Airbus rolled out the first completed C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) for Spain on 5 May 2026. (Airbus)
Airbus is preparing to fly the first C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) for Spain, showcasing the first three finished airframes at its Seville production plant on 5 May 2026.
The company announced the milestone 10 months after rolling out the first aircraft in July 2025, saying that with all ground tests now complete the first three aircraft will shortly fly for the first time.
The Spanish Air and Space Force is acquiring eight C295 MSA aircraft to replace the CN235 Vigilancia Marítima (VIGMA) platform. They are to be equipped for maritime and overland operations such as anti-smuggling and anti-drug trafficking operations, as well as national and international search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
The aircraft will be equipped with the latest-generation Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) maritime mission suite. The suite brings together input from radars, sensor turrets, sonobuoys, a magnetic anomaly detector, and electronic support measures as required for maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, SAR, and exclusive economic zone protection.
Spain has also signed for eight C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs) to complement the MSAs in national service.
For more, please see:Spain signs for C295 MPA, MSA
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