Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India’s first private military aircraft production facility, the TATA Aircraft Complex, in Vadodara on Monday. This landmark project, housed within the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus, marks a significant step forward in India’s “Make in India” initiative, bringing military aircraft manufacturing into the private sector.
This state-of-the-art facility will focus on producing the C295, a tactical transport aircraft designed to replace India’s ageing Avro-748 fleet. The C295 can carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, offering versatile logistic capabilities in remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible to larger aircraft. Tata’s partnership with Airbus marks the first aerospace project of its kind under India’s private sector, aiming to deliver high-quality defense manufacturing and technology innovation to the country.
Under the agreement, Airbus will initially deliver 16 C295 aircraft in a fully operational state from its Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Seville, Spain, with the first arrival expected by 2026. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled on Indian soil at TASL’s Vadodara complex, reinforcing India’s ambition to boost domestic production within the defense sector.
Highlighting the significance of this development, PM Modi said the facility will act as a bridge between India and Spain, strengthening ties and fostering mutual growth. He emphasized that beyond strengthening India’s defense capabilities, this plant has the potential to expand into civil aircraft manufacturing in the future. PM Modi also honored Ratan Tata, acknowledging his contributions to making this initiative a reality.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, making his first visit to India, highlighted the potential economic impact of the complex. “Thousands of jobs will be generated, and a new generation of skilled engineers and technicians will emerge from this endeavor,” Sanchez noted. He encouraged Indian companies with aspirations to collaborate, emphasizing Spain’s support and partnership in their growth.
The C295 facility signals India’s commitment to defense modernization and technological progress. It will be a catalyst for creating a new aerospace ecosystem in India, with plans for future exports of the C295 manufactured here. The Tata-Airbus facility stands not only as a testament to India’s defense aspirations but also as a symbol of the country’s growing role in the global aerospace industry, reinforcing its position as a competitive player on the world stage.
