India’s First Private Military Aircraft Assembly Line Now Operational – C-295 Aircraft Facility- On October 28, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd’s (TASL) Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility is India’s first private-sector assembly line for the C-295 military transport aircraft, developed in partnership with Airbus. The complex will help manufacture 40 C-295 aircraft, with the remaining 16 being delivered from Spain.
The event marked a significant step in India’s defense manufacturing, representing the country’s growing aerospace capabilities. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this complex showcases the “new work culture of India,” while PM Sanchez praised the partnership, highlighting India’s potential as an industrial powerhouse.
Key Details of the Tata-Airbus C-295 Project
| Details | Information |
| Location | Vadodara, Gujarat |
| Agreement Signed | September 24, 2021 |
| Total Deal Value | Rs 21,935 crore |
| Aircraft to be Delivered | 56 C-295 (16 from Spain, 40 assembled in India) |
| TASL’s Role | Manufacture, assembly, testing, delivery, and maintenance of 40 aircraft |
| Completion Timeline | First aircraft from India by September 2026; all 40 by August 2031 |
| Collaboration | Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space, Spain |
History and Agreement Details
The Indian government and Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, signed an agreement on September 24, 2021, to procure 56 C-295 tactical transport aircraft. Under the deal, 16 aircraft are to be imported from Spain, and the remaining 40 will be manufactured by TASL in India. The Vadodara factory, where the assembly line is set up, is a part of India’s initiative to boost self-reliance in defense production.
Statements from the Inauguration
During the event, PM Modi said, “The C-295 facility reflects the new work culture of a new India. This project is a step towards making India an industrial and defense manufacturing hub.” Spanish PM Sanchez also highlighted, “This collaboration shows how two emblematic companies, Tata and Airbus, can work together to bring progress to the Indian aerospace industry.”
Contributions to India’s Defense Ecosystem
This collaboration will not only provide C-295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) but also contribute to the localization of defense production. Companies like Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), along with other smaller enterprises, are also part of this ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle.
News Summary
- PM Modi and Spanish PM Sanchez inaugurated India’s first private C-295 assembly line in Vadodara.
- This facility, built by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in collaboration with Airbus, will manufacture 40 C-295 aircraft.
- India signed a Rs 21,935 crore agreement with Airbus for 56 C-295 aircraft; 16 will be delivered from Spain, and 40 will be built in India.
- The first aircraft from the Vadodara facility is expected to be delivered by September 2026, and the rest by August 2031.
The C-295 aircraft will enhance the Indian Air Force’s transport capabilities, making it the largest operator of C-295s globally.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft complex is India’s first private military aircraft assembly line, producing C-295 tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
The agreement between India and Airbus was signed on September 24, 2021, to acquire 56 C-295 aircraft, with a deal value of Rs 21,935 crore.
A total of 40 C-295 aircraft will be manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) at the Vadodara facility, while 16 will be delivered from Spain.
The C-295 aircraft will enhance the Indian Air Force’s fleet with modern, reliable, and versatile transport aircraft, supporting self-reliance in defense production.
The first C-295 aircraft from the Vadodara plant is expected to be rolled out by September 2026, and all 40 aircraft will be delivered by August 2031.
The inauguration was attended by PM Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, along with Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.
The Tata-Airbus partnership will boost India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, create local jobs, and promote industrial localization.
