This landmark facility, dedicated to manufacturing C-295 military transport aircraft, signifies a major advancement in India’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in defence production.
Of the 56 C-295 aircraft ordered for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Airbus will deliver 16 from Spain in a flyaway condition, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured domestically, marking India’s first private-sector final assembly line for military aircraft.
Aligned with PM Modi’s vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, this complex aims to boost India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependency on imports. With Tata Advanced Systems at the helm, the facility will manage the entire lifecycle of the C-295 aircraft—manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance.
This collaboration between TASL and Airbus represents a flagship “Make in India” initiative in aviation, positioning India as a potential global supplier of advanced military technology.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the project also brings together India’s defence sector giants Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited, along with private-sector MSMEs, highlighting the robust collaboration between public and private entities.
India’s Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defence and Space S.A. entered into a contract worth ₹21,935 crore, on September 24, 2021, to acquire 56 C-295MW aircraft.
Airbus has already delivered six C-295 aircraft to the IAF, with a seventh expected by the end of this year. Full delivery of the initial 16 flyaway aircraft is planned by August 2025, while the first Indian-built C-295 is scheduled to roll out of the Vadodara facility by September 2026.
The completion of all 40 domestically assembled units is targeted for August 2031, providing the IAF with significant logistical support, especially in forward areas along the India-China border.
The Vadodara facility, for which PM Modi laid the foundation stone in October 2022, is poised to make the IAF the largest operator of the C-295 worldwide, replacing the ageing Avro transport fleet. These advancements will further enhance India’s defence readiness and logistical capabilities.
Strategic diplomatic engagements
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez’s three-day visit to India, beginning Saturday, includes high-level discussions with PM Modi on enhancing bilateral relations in trade, technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, and defence.
This trip marks the first official visit by a Spanish leader in 18 years, reflecting renewed diplomatic momentum. The leaders have previously met at various multilateral forums, and this visit is expected to foster deeper collaboration across sectors including pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, biotech, culture, and tourism.
