PM and the Prime Minister of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez jointly taking a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the inauguration of TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus at Vadodara, in Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Vadodara, Gujarat. The new facility will manufacture C-295 military aircraft, marking a significant step in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The inauguration ceremony included a tour of an exhibition, showcasing India’s expanding role in aerospace technology.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that this is Pedro Sanchez’s first official visit to India, reflecting a pivotal moment for the Indo-Spanish partnership. He emphasized how this collaboration is taking on new dimensions, especially with the TATA Aircraft Complex’s focus on the C-295 project.
Modi added that the manufacturing facility aligns with the Indian government’s mission of “Make in India, Make for the World,” underscoring the initiative’s dual focus on self-reliance and global contribution. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to both Airbus and Tata, extending warm wishes to their teams, and paid tribute to the late Ratan Tata.
Modi remarked that the C-295 Aircraft Complex strengthens India’s global reputation as a reliable aerospace partner. This facility, he said, is symbolic of the forward-looking work culture of a “New India.” The project also demonstrates the progress in India’s defense manufacturing sector, a cornerstone of the country’s growing defense autonomy.
Overview of the C-295 Program
Under the C-295 program, India will acquire a total of 56 aircraft. The first 16 units will be directly supplied by Airbus from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be produced in India. This distribution emphasizes India’s commitment to developing its defense manufacturing capabilities, as the nation will handle the bulk of production domestically.
India’s First Private Final Assembly Line for Military Aircraft
The TASL facility in Vadodara will serve as India’s first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft, a milestone in the nation’s defense sector. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. will manufacture, assemble, test, qualify, and deliver the C-295 aircraft while managing the full lifecycle of maintenance and support. This end-to-end production process is a first for the Indian private sector and represents a significant step in reducing India’s dependence on foreign defense equipment.
Collaboration with Public and Private Sector Enterprises
Alongside Tata, leading public defense enterprises such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., as well as a network of private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), will contribute to this ambitious program. Modi laid the foundation stone for this facility in October 2022, and the project has since gained momentum, reflecting the government’s commitment to building a robust defense ecosystem in India.
The TATA Aircraft Complex symbolizes a new era in India’s defense manufacturing, bringing together innovation, international collaboration, and national self-reliance. The C-295 program is a testament to India’s evolving aerospace capabilities, fostering an ecosystem that promises growth, employment, and strengthened national security.
