India C-295 aircraft
India has achieved a major achievement in the field of defense aircraft manufacturing. The first Made in India Airbus C-295 aircraft manufactured at Tata-Airbus’ Vadodara factory is now ready for flight test. This is being considered a big step towards strengthening India’s indigenous military aircraft manufacturing capacity under the Make in India initiative.
Air Marshal Bharti reached Vadodara plant
Indian Air Force (IAF) Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti recently visited the Tata-Airbus plant in Vadodara. There he inspected the final assembly line of the C-295 aircraft and took stock of the preparations. According to IAF, the aircraft is being prepared for its first flight. This project is being progressed in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus.
A big agreement has been signed between India and Spain
This manufacturing facility in Vadodara was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez on 28 October 2024. India has signed a deal with Spain for 56 C-295 aircraft for about Rs 21,935 crore. In this, 16 aircraft will be received directly from Spain in ready condition, while the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India.
C-295 will replace old Avro aircraft
Airbus C-295 will replace the old Avro-748 aircraft of the Indian Air Force. It is a medium tactical transport aircraft, which will be used for transportation of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and special operations. This aircraft can carry up to 70 soldiers, 48 paratroopers or 24 medical stretchers.
Will be able to fly even in difficult areas
The C-295 is fitted with two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines. Its specialty is that it can take off even from small and unpaved runways. This will make operations easier in hilly and remote areas. Electronic warfare system developed in India is also being installed in every aircraft, which has been prepared by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Big aerospace ecosystem will be built in India
Under this project, Tata company will handle the work from manufacturing of the aircraft to assembly, engine and avionics testing, flight testing and future upgrade and support. Through this program, the advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem is being strengthened in India.
More than 13 thousand parts will be made in India
India has become the largest customer of C-295 aircraft in the world. Under the Make in India program, more than 85% of the structural manufacturing and final assembly of 40 aircraft will be done in India. Apart from this, more than 13,000 small and big parts will be made in the country itself. 37 Indian companies from government and private sector have been included in this supply chain.
