Seville, Spain- India’s Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, has emphasized that the production of 40 Airbus C295 medium tactical transport aircraft in India will be a pivotal transformation, facilitating the creation of a world-class aerospace ecosystem within the country. This development, which marks a significant milestone in India’s aerospace industry, is expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to the manufacturing of various aircraft categories in the future.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently received its first C295 aircraft, following a Rs 21,935-crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space that was sealed two years ago. This landmark agreement involves Airbus delivering the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025. Subsequently, the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), as part of a robust industrial partnership between the two companies.
Ambassador Patnaik expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The C295 project will be a game-changer project as it will create a world-class aerospace ecosystem in India.” He further emphasized that India currently lacks a private aerospace ecosystem, which is commonplace in most major countries. Therefore, the C295 project’s significance extends beyond mere aircraft procurement, as it signifies the genesis of a thriving aerospace industry in India.
The first ‘Make in India’ C295 is set to roll out of a production facility in Vadodara in September 2026, with the final aircraft scheduled for delivery to the IAF by August 2031. This project marks a historic milestone as it represents the first military aircraft to be produced in India by a private consortium.
The C295 aircraft, known for its superior capabilities, is set to replace the IAF’s aging Avro-748 planes, which have been in service for over six decades. This global C295 program boasts approximately 280 orders from 39 countries, distinguishing it as an unmatched aircraft within its weight and mission class.
In addition to its tactical transport capabilities, the C295 can accommodate up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and is well-suited for logistical operations in remote locations that are inaccessible to heavier aircraft. Furthermore, it is capable of airdropping paratroops and cargo, as well as serving in casualty or medical evacuation missions.
The production of aircraft components is already underway at the Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad, with these parts destined for the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara.
India’s ambition to create a thriving aerospace industry aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and reinforces the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance.
Ambassador Patnaik’s coordination efforts with various stakeholders have been instrumental in ensuring the project’s timely implementation. As a result, the aerospace ecosystem that will emerge is expected to bolster India’s position in the global aviation industry and stimulate further advancements in aircraft manufacturing.
By PTI
