Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India’s first privately-led military transport aircraft production facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. Located at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus, the facility will manufacture Airbus C295 aircraft, marking a groundbreaking shift in India’s private aviation sector and defense manufacturing landscape. The plant’s establishment signifies a major advancement for India’s aerospace and defense sectors, reinforcing the ‘Make in India‘ initiative and the country’s ambitions to enter the global aircraft market.
Here’s why the C295 project is poised to be a transformative milestone for India:
Strategic Boost to Indian Defense Capabilities
Integrating the Airbus C295 into the Indian Air Force’s fleet upgrades its tactical airlift abilities, enhancing troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo operations. Designed for challenging terrains and remote operations, the C295 will replace aging aircraft models like the Soviet Antonov An-32 and HAL’s Avro 748. With a cruising speed of 482 km/h and capacity to carry nine tons or up to 71 soldiers, the C295 improves India’s defense readiness, especially near sensitive borders like the LAC with China.
Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ Mission
As a pillar of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, the C295 project will foster domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Airbus will initially supply 16 aircraft from Spain, while the remaining 40 units will be manufactured by TASL in Vadodara, setting a landmark for India’s aerospace manufacturing. The first domestically manufactured C295 is expected to roll out in 2026, with all deliveries to the Indian Air Force anticipated by 2031.
Catalyzing Job Creation and Ecosystem Development
The Tata-Airbus partnership is projected to create over 3,000 direct jobs and an estimated 15,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain, driving economic growth and fostering local expertise. Centered in Gujarat, this facility will expand India’s aerospace presence beyond traditional hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Each aircraft requires over one million labor hours, indicating a substantial increase in demand for skilled labor and bolstering ancillary industries such as component manufacturing and support services.
Building India’s Aerospace Infrastructure
To support the C295, India is developing dedicated training and maintenance facilities. These will include a Stick Holding Depot in Prayagraj and a Training Center at Agra’s Air Force Station, ensuring that Indian Air Force personnel are well-equipped to operate and maintain the fleet. The infrastructure expansion benefits India’s civil and military aviation sectors, both of which are currently dominated by international players.
Stepping into the Global Aircraft Export Market
Beyond meeting domestic needs, the C295 project aligns with India’s ambitions to export aircraft. Once deliveries to the IAF are completed, the facility may export the C295 to civil operators and international clients approved by the Government of India. This project thus positions India as a potential global competitor, contributing to the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision and expanding India’s reach in the aerospace industry traditionally led by American and European manufacturers.
The Tata-Airbus C295 project not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also lays the groundwork for a resilient domestic aerospace ecosystem, paving the way for India’s rise as a global player in aviation manufacturing.
