(Image source from: x.com/narendramodi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India's first private facility that produces military transport aircraft in Vadodra, Gujarat. This is the country's initial final assembly line in the private aviation sector. The factory, located at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited campus, will manufacture the Airbus C295 aircraft, a significant milestone for India's aerospace industry, manufacturing ecosystem, and defence capabilities. The "Make in India" project is a game-changer for India in various ways, including boosting its aircraft export ambitions, according to Prime Minister Modi.
The induction of the C295 aircraft into the Indian Air Force represents a substantial upgrade in the country's tactical airlift capabilities. The versatile C295, designed and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, can perform various missions, such as troop transport, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and maritime patrol. The C295 will replace the aging fleet of the Soviet Antonov An-32 and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Avro 748 aircraft.
The C295 aircraft is an ideal choice for the Indian Air Force due to its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways, making it suitable for navigating challenging terrain along the India-China border and the country's strategic maritime areas. With a top speed of 482 kmph and the capacity to carry up to nine tons of cargo, 71 soldiers, or 48 paratroopers, the C295 enhances the IAF's operational readiness and flexibility. This versatile twin-turboprop aircraft also has the capability to perform cargo-dropping, electronic signals intelligence, medical evacuations, maritime patrol, and refuelling, making it a valuable asset for the Indian defence forces.
The C295 project is a crucial component of India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, aiming to reduce the country's dependence on imports and promote domestic manufacturing. Under this program, a total of 56 aircraft are planned, with the first 16 C295s delivered by Airbus from its facility in Spain, and the remaining 40 aircraft to be built and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at a new facility in Vadodara.
A boost to ‘Make in India’ and India-Spain cooperation!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 28, 2024
The President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez and I inaugurated the aircraft complex in Vadodara, where the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured. #C295MadeInIndia @sanchezcastejon pic.twitter.com/pndM1PiLH5
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently received the first C295 aircraft in September 2023. The initial 'Made in India' C295 plane is expected to be unveiled in September 2026, and the remaining aircraft are anticipated to be delivered by August 2031. The Tata-Airbus C295 project is anticipated to have a substantial impact on employment and the local economy. The establishment of the C295 manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, is expected to diversify India's aerospace industry, which has traditionally been concentrated in certain regions. The collaboration will directly create over 3,000 jobs at various sites and support more than 15,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain. The assembly of each aircraft will require substantial labor effort, fostering a skilled workforce. Furthermore, the project will promote the growth of ancillary sectors and have significant financial and commercial benefits, leading to a substantial ripple effect. The introduction of the C295 aircraft also involves the establishment of comprehensive training and maintenance infrastructure to ensure efficient operation and maintenance by the Indian Air Force.
The C295 project is an important step for India's aviation industry. The project includes establishing a maintenance depot in Prayagraj and a training center in Agra. This will benefit India's growing civil and military aviation sectors, which are currently dominated by foreign companies. The C295 project is significant not only for meeting India's domestic needs but also for potential export opportunities. The Tata-Airbus manufacturing facility will advance India's aim to export aircraft and contribute to the production of India's first civil aircraft. After delivering 56 aircraft to the Indian Air Force, Airbus will be allowed to sell the aircraft made in India to civil operators and export them to countries approved by the Indian government. This aligns with the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative, positioning India as a competitive player in the global aerospace market.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the C295 aircraft factory at Vadodara marks an important milestone in India's journey towards self-sufficiency and aerospace excellence.
