India takes a big leap in the defense sector, Tata-Airbus' C-295 ready to fly

India has achieved a major milestone in defense aircraft manufacturing. The first Made-in-India Airbus C-295 aircraft, built at the Tata-Airbus factory in Vadodara, is now ready for flight tests. This is considered a major step towards strengthening India's indigenous military aircraft manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative.

Air Marshal Bharti reached Vadodara plant

Air Marshal Avdesh Kumar Bharti, Deputy Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), recently visited the Tata-Airbus plant in Vadodara. He inspected the final assembly line of the C-295 aircraft and reviewed preparations. 

According to the IAF, the aircraft is being prepared for its first flight. This project is being carried out in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus.

A major agreement has been signed between India and Spain

This manufacturing facility in Vadodara was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on October 28, 2024. 

India has signed a deal with Spain for 56 C-295 aircraft worth approximately ₹21,935 crore. This includes 16 aircraft to be delivered in finished condition directly from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India.

C-295 to replace old Avro aircraft

The Airbus C-295 will replace the Indian Air Force's older Avro-748 aircraft. It is a medium tactical transport aircraft used for troop and material transportation, medical evacuation, and special operations. It can carry up to 70 soldiers, 48 ​​paratroopers, or 24 medical stretchers.

Can fly even in difficult areas

The C-295 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines. Its unique advantage is its ability to take off from short, unpaved runways, making operations in mountainous and remote areas easier. 

Each aircraft is also equipped with an Indian-developed electronic warfare system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

A large aerospace ecosystem will be created in India

Under this project, Tata will handle aircraft manufacturing, assembly, engine and avionics testing, flight testing, and future upgrades and support. This program is strengthening India's advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem.

More than 13,000 parts will be manufactured in India.

India has become the largest global customer for the C-295 aircraft. Under the Make in India program, more than 85% of the structural manufacturing and final assembly of the 40 aircraft will take place in India. 

Additionally, more than 13,000 components, both large and small, will be manufactured domestically. This supply chain involves 37 Indian companies, both public and private.