The new facility marks a significant milestone for India’s aerospace sector, set to produce 40 C-295 aircraft domestically

In a landmark event for India’s defence capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility at the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, today. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant leap for India’s aerospace industry, enabling the domestic production of the C-295, a versatile transport aircraft designed to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing fleet of Avro-748 planes.

The C-295 programme involves a total of 56 aircraft, with 16 units to be directly delivered from the Airbus facility in Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured at the new TATA facility, which is notable for being the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) dedicated to military aircraft in India. This initiative underscores the Indian government’s commitment to bolstering indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi highlighted the transformative potential of this project, stating, “This facility not only strengthens our defence preparedness but also enhances our technological capabilities. It is a testament to our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and will create numerous jobs in the sector.”

The C-295 aircraft boasts a payload capacity of 5-10 tonnes and incorporates contemporary technology tailored for diverse operational needs. It can perform a variety of roles, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo airlift, making it an essential addition to the Indian Air Force’s logistical capabilities.

Before the inauguration, PM Modi and Prime Minister Sanchez participated in a grand roadshow spanning 2.5 km from the airport to the TATA facility, signifying the importance of this collaboration between India and Spain. The leaders’ presence at the event showcased their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in the defence sector.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, who spoke at the inauguration, reminisced about the project’s origins, revealing that it was conceived over a decade ago by the late Ratan Tata, former Chairman of Tata Sons. “I would fail in my duty if I did not mention Ratan Tata Ji, who laid the foundation for this opportunity. His visionary leadership paved the way for this partnership with Airbus,” he remarked, honouring Tata’s legacy, especially poignant as he passed away earlier this month at the age of 86.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also attended the launch, describing it as a “very special day” for the Indian aerospace industry. He emphasised that the C-295 project is a groundbreaking accomplishment for the Indian private sector, representing the first instance of a complete military aircraft being manufactured by a private company in India. Singh’s comments reflect a broader ambition to strengthen the country’s defence ecosystem, enhancing self-reliance in military manufacturing.

The establishment of the C-295 facility is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and foster the development of a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence requirements.

As the facility ramps up production, it promises to play a crucial role in meeting the operational needs of the Indian Air Force while also showcasing India’s growing prowess in the global aerospace arena. With increasing geopolitical complexities in the region, the C-295 will bolster India’s strategic capabilities, ensuring a robust response to various challenges.

As India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities and enhance partnerships with global leaders, the inauguration of the C-295 manufacturing facility marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards becoming a significant player in the global aerospace and defence landscape.