October 28, 2024
India's Defence Ministry signed an INR 21,935-crore contract with Airbus in 2021 to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro fleet
PM Modi said the plant will help advance India-Spain relations and bolster the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran honoured Ratan Tata’s vision as the original inspiration for the project, which was initiated in 2012
The C-295 aircraft, with its multi-role capabilities, will feature Indian-made electronic warfare suites, enhancing local defence production
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara. This is the first private sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft in India, which will produce the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft. This facility will manufacture 40 of the 56 aircraft ordered, significantly boosting India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Under an INR 21,935-crore contract signed in 2021 with Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain, the first 16 aircraft will arrive directly from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured at the Vadodara facility. The new plant aims to foster an end-to-end aerospace ecosystem, from manufacturing to maintenance, with plans to export the aircraft, aligning with India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision. PM Modi, who laid the plant’s foundation in October 2022, expressed confidence that this venture would further elevate India-Spain relations.
PM Modi also paid tribute to the late Ratan Tata, whom he credited as the project’s visionary. In his tribute, he remarked that Tata would be proud of the initiative’s successful launch and potential to transform India’s aerospace landscape. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran reaffirmed this sentiment, noting that Ratan Tata had envisioned this partnership in 2012 to establish a strong collaborative foundation with Airbus, paving the way for today’s milestone.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez lauded Tata’s industrial legacy, highlighting that the Airbus-Tata partnership will likely attract further European collaboration in India’s growing aerospace sector. Sanchez stated that Tata exemplifies India’s industrial prowess and that this project not only strengthens bilateral ties but also underscores Spain’s commitment as a strategic partner in India’s development.
The C-295 aircraft represents a substantial upgrade to India’s defence capabilities, designed for tactical transport and logistics in rugged and varied terrains. It can carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and perform multi-role operations under all weather conditions. Equipped with a rear ramp for rapid deployment and the capability to operate from semi-prepared surfaces, the aircraft will also include Indian-made electronic warfare suites by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited, enhancing national defence and local manufacturing expertise.
Source: NDTV