Tata-Airbus C295 Complex: India's first private military aircraft plant

1. On October 28 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited's (TASL) new C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
2. This facility marks an important moment in India’s defence landscape, as it is the country’s first private-sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) dedicated to military aircraft production.
3. This initiative is a critical step towards enhancing India’s defence self-reliance and capability.

Significance of the Event:

1. Defence Minister emphasized the importance of this project, stating it is a achievement for India's aerospace sector, as it is the first time a complete military aircraft will be manufactured by a private company in India.
2. Strategic Partnership: The collaboration between TASL and Airbus Defence and Space symbolizes a strengthened defence relationship between India and Spain, aiming for long-term technological cooperation.

What is C-295 Program: In 2021, India’s Ministry of Defence signed a ₹21,935-crore agreement with Airbus for the procurement of 56 C-295 transport aircraft. This procurement is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Avro-748 planes. Delivery Schedule: Fully Assembled Aircraft: 16 C-295 aircraft will be delivered fully assembled from Spain. Local Assembly: The remaining 40 aircraft will be assembled at the new facility in Vadodara. Timeline: The first locally produced aircraft is expected to be completed by September 2026, with all 40 units scheduled for delivery by August 2031.

Facility Capabilities:

1. The Vadodara facility is designed to handle the entire production lifecycle, encompassing:
   1. Component manufacturing
   2. Assembly
   3. Testing
   4. Final delivery
   5. Future maintenance and upgrades
2. The facility aims to create a holistic ecosystem for military aircraft production in India, promoting indigenous capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Significance of the Tata Aircraft Complex:

The Tata Aircraft Complex will support a comprehensive approach to military aircraft production. This includes:

1. In addition to Tata, major defence public sector units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. will contribute to the project, along with various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
2. Make in India Initiative: The C-295 project exemplifies the "Make in India" initiative, with a focus on domestic production and technological advancement.

Employment Generation:

1. The facility is projected to create direct employment for over 3,000 individuals and more than 15,000 indirect jobs, significantly boosting local economies.
2. PM Modi highlighted the facility's potential to transform the job landscape, creating thousands of opportunities in the region.

Indigenization and Self-Reliance:

1. Over 18,000 components for the C-295 aircraft will be produced locally, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing.
2. Strategic Autonomy: The successful establishment of this facility enhances India’s strategic autonomy, reducing dependence on foreign military imports and strengthening national security.

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