New Delhi, 28 October 2024: India has marked a major milestone in defense manufacturing with the inauguration of its first private military aircraft facility, a project jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday.
The newly established ‘final assembly line’ in Vadodara will produce the C-295 military aircraft, developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Airbus. This aircraft has the capacity to carry a payload of 9.5 tonnes and, in troop-carrying configuration, can transport 71 fully armed soldiers to challenging terrains, including the remote unpaved landing grounds in the Himalayas.
During the inauguration, Sanchez emphasized the importance of technology transfer, stating, “Spain will fulfill its commitment to technology of transfer, which is essential for the creation of an authentic industrial ecosystem.” This comprehensive approach includes everything from the production of components to assembly and maintenance of the aircraft.
Prime Minister Modi honored the late Ratan Tata, calling him “a great son of this country” and noted, “Tata would have been proud of this project.” He expressed confidence that the aircraft produced at this facility would not only serve India but also be exported globally.
Modi took a subtle jab at previous administrations, asserting, “Defence manufacturing in India is touching new heights. Had we not taken steps, this plant would not be possible.” He highlighted the shift in India’s defense policy, stating that the country has transitioned from primarily importing weapons to establishing a vibrant domestic defense industry.
“India’s military exports have increased 30-fold, reaching over 100 countries,” Modi stated, although he did not provide specific figures. According to the Ministry of Defence, military equipment exports rose from Rs 1,941 crore in 2013-2014 to Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-2024. Additionally, domestic defense production surged from Rs 46,429 crore to Rs 1,27,265 crore over the same period.
Modi also drew cultural connections between India and Spain, noting, “India and Spain are connected by food, films, and football,” referencing a recent high-profile match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The joint venture aims to produce a total of 56 C-295 aircraft at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore. While 16 planes are being delivered directly from Spain, the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India. Airbus has already delivered six of the initial aircraft, with the completion of deliveries expected by August 2025. The first Indian-produced C-295 is slated for rollout in September 2026, with the remaining 39 set for completion by August 2031. A simulator for training purposes has also been established at the Indian Air Force’s Agra station.
Designed for versatility, the C-295 is a new generation tactical airlift aircraft capable of operating under various weather conditions, day or night. The ‘Make in India’ initiative will play a pivotal role in the production of the 40 aircraft, with a significant portion of components and assemblies to be sourced locally. Notably, aside from the aero engine and avionics, which are procured from external sources, approximately 13,000 components will be manufactured in India, involving 37 identified companies, 33 of which are MSMEs.
Each of the 56 aircraft will be equipped with an indigenously produced Electronic Warfare Suite developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The proportion of indigenous content is expected to rise steadily, aiming for 75 percent for the last 24 aircraft manufactured in India.
The C-295 project represents a landmark achievement for the Indian private sector, marking the first instance of a complete military aircraft being manufactured in India by a private company.
