In a major leap forward for India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat. This state-of-the-art facility, a first for India’s private sector in manufacturing military aircraft, marks a significant milestone under the “Make in India” initiative. The complex will produce 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), of which 40 will be manufactured in India, while the remaining 16 will arrive from Spain in ready-to-fly condition.
Inauguration Ceremony with Key Leaders
The inauguration on October 28, 2024, was led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón. They were accompanied by prominent figures including Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn. This event brought together leaders from India and Spain, highlighting the robust partnership and shared commitment to advancing India’s defence industry.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic significance of the project, noting, “The factory of C-295 aircraft is a reflection of the new work culture of New India.” He praised the project as a critical part of India’s vision of “AatmaNirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India, marking a transformative step for the country’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. He also acknowledged the collaborative effort between TASL and Airbus, celebrating it as a powerful endorsement of India’s capacity to innovate and manufacture domestically.
A New Era for Defence Manufacturing
The facility represents India’s first private sector-led FAL for military aircraft, solidifying India’s position as a capable player in the global aerospace sector. Emphasizing the speed of this development, Modi recalled that the facility’s foundation stone was laid just two years ago, in October 2022, and is now set to begin full-scale production. This rapid progress, he noted, reflects India’s commitment to eliminating delays in planning and executing major projects. The Prime Minister also linked the achievement to the creation of the Bombardier Train Coach manufacturing plant in Vadodara, which has since become a hub for metro coach exports, suggesting that this facility too could become a vital export hub.
Boosting Indigenous Production and Employment
The C295 project holds enormous potential for India’s aerospace industry. Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, underscored the importance of the partnership with TASL, stating, “This final assembly line demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to supporting India’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ in defence manufacturing.” The Vadodara complex will handle various aspects of production, from sub-assemblies and tools to complete aircraft assembly, with most components manufactured locally.
The first “Make in India” C295 aircraft is expected to roll out by September 2026, aiming to complete the delivery of 40 aircraft by August 2031. TASL’s investment in this project includes creating a local supply chain, which has already engaged 37 Indian suppliers and certified 21 special processes to facilitate the production of 13,000 parts in India. Through this, the project will generate jobs and foster technical skills among Indian workers, enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities beyond just assembly to include high-tech manufacturing.
Reflecting India’s Growth in Defence and Innovation
During his address, Modi spoke about India’s evolving defence sector, recognizing that a decade ago, the country’s defence production was largely import-dependent. He emphasized that strategic reforms had catalyzed the growth of a vibrant defence industry, including expanding private sector participation, enhancing efficiency in public sector units, restructuring ordnance factories, and establishing defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Highlighting the progress, he noted, “India’s defence exports have increased 30 times over the past decade, with the country now exporting equipment to over 100 countries.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that the C295 complex in Vadodara is more than just a manufacturing plant; it signifies India’s emergence as a global hub for defence production.
A Broader Vision for India’s Aviation Industry
The PM talked about a far-reaching vision that extends beyond military production. As India’s aviation sector continues to grow, the country is also enhancing regional air connectivity to smaller cities and investing in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. This development, he argued, sets the stage for future civil aircraft production within India, opening new opportunities for the local aerospace industry.
India’s civil aviation sector is set to expand significantly, with Indian airlines collectively ordering 1,200 new aircraft. PM Modi expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated factory would eventually contribute to civil aircraft manufacturing, meeting both India’s needs and those of international markets.
Local Economic Impact and Regional Development
The selection of Vadodara as the location for the FAL is strategic, given the city’s strong industrial base. Known for its active MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) community, Vadodara has now become a focal point for India’s aerospace ambitions. PM Modi highlighted Vadodara’s potential to contribute to India’s economic growth, noting that the city also hosts institutions like Gatishakti University, which is dedicated to training professionals in multiple industries. He added that the region has industries spanning pharmaceuticals, engineering, heavy machinery, chemicals, petrochemicals, and power equipment.
India-Spain Relations and Global Impact
Quoting Spanish poet Antonio Machado, PM emphasized that as India advances towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the path itself becomes clearer.
Expressing optimism about future India-Spain joint projects, Modi invited Spanish industries and innovators to consider India as a partner in their growth journey. He remarked, “Today’s event will inspire many new joint collaboration projects between India and Spain.”
A Proud Moment for Indian Aerospace
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also marked the occasion with a message on social media, calling it a “special day” for Indian aerospace. In his post, he emphasized that the C295 project represents the first major military aircraft manufacturing venture by a private company in India, which will “give a big boost to India’s growing aerospace ecosystem.”
The ceremony concluded with high hopes for India’s aerospace future, with a range of officials in attendance, including Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Vadodara C295 facility represents a milestone not only for Indian defence but also for the “Make in India” initiative, signalling India’s growing importance in the global aerospace supply chain.