Narendra Modi (2R) and Pedro Sánchez (2L) at the Tata-Airbus C-295 plant at Vadodara. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)
Vadodara: The prime minister, Narendra Modi, and his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sánchez, inaugurated India’s first private military aircraft plant in Gujarat’s Vadodara on Monday. This joint venture, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space of Spain, is expected to boost India’s defence manufacturing sector and strengthen the “Make in India” initiative.
The new plant will be dedicated to assembling and producing C-295 military transport aircraft, a versatile model essential for tactical airlifting and logistical support within the Indian Air Force.
The C-295 project is seen as a significant milestone in India’s self-reliance efforts in defence, as it is the first private sector aircraft manufacturing unit in the country. Under this collaboration, Airbus will deliver the initial 16 aircraft directly from its assembly facility in Seville, Spain, while the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by TASL in Vadodara. The first Indian-produced C-295 aircraft is expected to roll out by 2026, and the final delivery to the IAF is slated for 2031.
The new Vadodara plant is projected to enhance India’s industrial capabilities in defence manufacturing, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, which could also benefit other aircraft operating within the country.
The C-295 aircraft itself is a robust, medium-lift tactical transport plane capable of carrying up to 9 tons (8.16 metric tonnes) of cargo or 70 soldiers, making it invaluable for military logistics, troop transport, and humanitarian missions. Notably, the IAF will use these planes to replace its aging Avro-748 fleet.
The C-295 can perform diverse roles, from medical evacuation and airlift operations to specialized missions for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, with plans in place to adapt its configuration for maritime reconnaissance.
The Vadodara facility’s establishment is anticipated to not only create job opportunities but also encourage further technological collaboration between Indian and international defence sectors. By supporting future expansion into aircraft and helicopter manufacturing, this project lays the groundwork for India to become a regional hub in the aerospace and defence industries.
