Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have jointly inaugurated India’s inaugural private military transport aircraft production plant in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility marks India’s first final assembly line in the private aviation sector which will produce aircraft ready for deployment.
Situated at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus, this facility will manufacture the Airbus C295 aircraft, representing a landmark achievement for India’s aerospace industry, manufacturing ecosystem and defence capabilities.
PM Modi highlighted that this ‘Make in India’ initiative is transformative for India in multiple ways and will also support the nation’s aspirations to export aircraft.
Here are five reasons why the C295 aircraft and its ‘Made in India’ status will be a transformative move for India:
1. C295 Aircraft Elevates Indian Defence Capabilities: The inclusion of the C295 in the Indian Air Force (IAF) represents a significant enhancement in India’s tactical airlift capabilities. This aircraft, designed and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, is highly versatile and suited for missions such as troop transport, cargo airlift, medical evacuation and maritime patrol.
It will replace the ageing Soviet-era Antonov An-32 and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Avro 748. Defence expert Kunal Biswas noted on X (formally Twitter) that “the Airbus C295 is a technological leap from the Avro 748.”
Additionally, the C295’s ability to operate on short and unpaved runways makes it well-suited for difficult terrains, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and at India’s strategic maritime boundaries.
With a top cruising speed of 482 kmph and capacity to carry up to nine tonnes of cargo, 71 soldiers, or 48 paratroopers, the C295 substantially enhances IAF’s operational readiness and versatility.
This twin-turboprop aircraft is capable of cargo-dropping, electronic intelligence, medical evacuations, maritime patrol, and refuelling, making it a valuable addition to India’s defence arsenal.
2. Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ Mission: The C295 project is an important factor of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ drives, reducing reliance on imports and boosting domestic production.
Under the C295 programme, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft from its Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Spain, with the remaining 40 assembled by TASL at the new Vadodara facility.
So far, five C295s have been delivered to the IAF, with the first arriving in September 2023. The first ‘Made in India’ C295 is expected by September 2026, with the full delivery to be completed by August 2031.
3. Job Creation and Economic Benefits: The Tata-Airbus C295 project is set to positively impact local employment and the overall economy. Establishing this C295 manufacturing facility in Vadodara expands India’s aerospace industry beyond the traditional hubs of Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Belgaum.
Reportedly, this collaboration will directly create over 3,000 jobs and indirectly support over 15,000 jobs across the supply chain. Each aircraft assembly will require more than one million hours of labour from TASL and its suppliers, creating a skilled workforce.
Furthermore, the project will stimulate auxiliary sectors, including component manufacturing and service provision, offering commercial and financial benefits that could spark a broad economic impact.
4. Building India’s Aerospace Infrastructure: The C295 programme includes a comprehensive training and maintenance infrastructure. Training centres are being developed to ensure IAF personnel can operate and maintain the aircraft efficiently. This includes maintenance facilities, spare part supply chains, and long-term support agreements to ensure fleet longevity.
The project will also establish a Stick Holding Depot in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and a Training Centre at the Air Force Station in Agra, aiding the growth of India’s civil and military aviation sectors, traditionally dominated by companies like Boeing, Airbus, ATR, and public sector giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
5. Making the Way for Aviation Exports: Beyond domestic needs, the C295 project holds potential for future exports. Speaking at the occasion in Vadodara, PM Modi pointed out that Tata-Airbus’s facility will not only further India’s ambition to export aircraft but also contribute to manufacturing the nation’s first civil aircraft.
Following the delivery of 56 aircraft to the IAF, Airbus Defence and Space will be able to sell India-made C295s to civil operators and export them to approved nations, aligning with the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision and positioning India competitively in a market traditionally led by European and American firms.
