Rama Krishna Sangem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the new Tata Aircraft Complex for C-295 aircraft manufacturing in Vadodara, Gujarat October 28, Monday.
This facility, based at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus, represents a milestone as India’s first private sector Final Assembly Line for military aircraft. Under the C-295 program, a total of 56 aircraft are planned, with 16 being delivered directly by Airbus from Spain, and the remaining 40 assembled locally at the Tata facility. This is a big moment in the efforts of Modi led government for promoting Make In India.
End-to-end aerospace ecosystem in India
The C-295 manufacturing initiative aims to establish a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem within India, covering all stages from production through lifecycle management. According to an official statement from PM Modi’s office, this complex will manage aircraft assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance.
“It will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem from manufacture to assembly, testing and qualification, delivery, and maintenance over the aircraft’s complete lifecycle,” stated an official from PM Modi’s office.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the project, calling it a “very special day” for Indian aerospace as it represents the first full-scale military aircraft project led by the private sector. Singh emphasised that this accomplishment will accelerate the development of India’s aerospace industry, aligning with the government’s Make in India mission.
The C-295 project is a major achievement for the Indian private sector, as it is the first project of its kind where a complete military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. The project will give a significant boost to India’s expanding aerospace ecosystem,” the Union Minister stated on X (formerly Twitter).
A collaboration with Spain
This facility results from a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Spain, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in India’s aerospace growth. In September 2021, India’s Defence Ministry had signed a Rs 21,935 crore contract with Airbus Defense and Space SA to purchase 56 C-295 transport aircraft.
As per the agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured at the new Tata facility in Vadodara. To date, Airbus has delivered six aircraft, with the seventh scheduled for later this year. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will become the world’s largest C-295 operator, with all deliveries expected by August 2031.
