India’s Tata-Airbus Complex to Deliver C295 Aircraft by 2026, Boosting “Make in India”
Vadodara, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez officially launched the Tata-Airbus Aircraft Complex on Monday, ushering in a new era in Indian defence production. This first-ever private military transport aircraft manufacturing plant in India will produce the C295 aircraft, set to modernize the Indian Air Force’s tactical transport capabilities.
During the ceremony, PM Sanchez expressed pride in the India-Spain partnership, announcing that the Vadodara facility would deliver its first aircraft by 2026. He commended PM Modi’s drive to make India an “industrial powerhouse,” viewing this joint venture as the beginning of broader European investments in Indian defence.
The Tata-Airbus C295 facility is designed to produce aircraft capable of carrying up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and landing on challenging terrain. The collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will see 16 aircraft delivered from Airbus’s Seville assembly line, with TASL manufacturing an additional 40 aircraft domestically.
Addressing the crowd, PM Modi emphasized that the Tata-Airbus partnership aligns perfectly with India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision. He also honoured the memory of Ratan Tata, expressing that this achievement embodies a new era of industrial speed and efficiency. “This facility is a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance and defence excellence,” Modi stated, highlighting the project’s importance for India’s manufacturing sector and national security.
The Tata-Airbus project represents a pivotal move in India’s defence strategy, fostering local skill development, technology transfer, and a fortified partnership between India and Spain, setting the stage for future advancements in aerospace and defence collaboration.
