PM Modi and Spain’s Pedro Sanchez Inaugurate TATA Facility for C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing in India

Vadodara, Gujarat — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez, inaugurated India’s first private sector military aircraft manufacturing facility for the C-295 aircraft at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat. This landmark project marks a major step for India’s defense industry, with 40 of the 56 C-295 aircrafts set to be built locally as part of a ₹21,935-crore contract between India’s Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defense and Space SA.

Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “very special day” for India’s aerospace sector, praising the project as a milestone for private industry in manufacturing military aircraft domestically.

A New Era in Indian Aerospace Manufacturing

The newly inaugurated TATA Aircraft Complex, supported by Airbus, will oversee every stage of the C-295’s production, from assembly and testing to delivery and long-term maintenance. This makes it India’s first private Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft, further bolstering India’s growing aerospace ecosystem.

"This facility will develop a complete ecosystem from manufacture to assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and lifecycle maintenance," PM Modi’s office stated.

C-295 Aircraft: A Tactical Game-Changer

The C-295 is designed as a robust transport aircraft with a 5-10 tonne capacity, intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 fleet. Capable of carrying up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, it can operate under various conditions, including desert and maritime environments, with an endurance of up to 11 hours. The aircraft’s features, such as short take-off and landing capabilities on semi-prepared surfaces and a rear ramp for rapid troop and cargo deployment, make it versatile for both logistical and tactical missions.

All C-295 aircraft under the agreement will also feature indigenous electronic warfare systems, designed by Indian defense companies Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited, further contributing to India’s self-reliance in defense technology.

This collaboration between TATA and Airbus reflects India’s commitment to bolstering its aerospace capabilities, with the C-295 manufacturing facility expected to enhance India’s defense production and create a sustainable aircraft production ecosystem.