Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL)-Airbus facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
- This facility will manufacture the C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, marking India’s first private sector plant to produce military aircraft.
- This collaboration aligns with India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, aiming to boost India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the India-Spain partnership.
About C295 Airbus facility:
- Strategic importance: The C295 plant marks a milestone in India’s defense sector by enabling local, private-sector-led manufacturing.
- Production: Of 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, 16 will be from Spain, with 40 produced in Vadodara.
- Job creation: Expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and support MSMEs by sourcing 18,000 indigenous parts.
- Versatility: C295 aircraft serve multiple missions like medical evacuations, disaster response, and maritime patrols.
- Cultural diplomacy: Highlights shared cultural interests between India and Spain; introduces 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.
- Future aviation hub: Vadodara is poised to become a key aviation manufacturing hub, advancing India’s goal to produce indigenous civil aircraft.
C-295 Aircraft Features:
- Versatile tactical airlifter: Built by Airbus for light-medium transport with a range of mission capabilities.
- High payload: Carries up to 9 tonnes or 71 troops, with a max cruise speed of 260 knots.
- Extended endurance: Up to 13 hours of flight time, suitable for varied weather conditions.
- Rear ramp door: Enables rapid deployment of troops and cargo, enhancing tactical flexibility.
- Short take-off & landing (STOL): Operates on unprepared airstrips with high manoeuvrability.
- Dual propulsion: Powered by two turboprop engines for efficient performance.
- Specialized for Tactical Missions: Low-speed capability (110 knots) and strong low-level handling.