India Begins Production of Airbus C-295 Transport Aircraft, Marking a Milestone inDefense Modernization
New Delhi, India – In a significant step towards bolsteringits defense capabilities and promoting indigenous manufacturing, India has commenced production of the Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft. The inauguration ceremony, held on October 28th, saw Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly unveil the assembly line at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) facility in Gujarat.
Theproduction line, a joint venture between TASL and Airbus, marks a pivotal moment in India’s Make in India initiative, aiming to enhance domestic defense production and reduce reliance on imports. The first aircraft assembled in India is expected to bedelivered in 2026, with the entire production run slated for completion by 2031.
This factory will strengthen the mission of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, declared Prime Minister Modi at the ceremony.Sánchez echoed the sentiment, stating that the partnership opens a new chapter in India’s defense and aerospace industry.
The C-295 fleet will replace India’s aging fleet of An-32 and HS-748 transport aircraft, which are in dire need of replacement. Beyond TASL, theproject will involve several other Indian companies, including Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and numerous private micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The establishment of this facility aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for modernizing India’s defense sector. Since taking office in 2014, he has actively promotedprivate defense production and eased foreign investment regulations. This initiative reflects his commitment to bolstering India’s domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
The C-295, originally designed and manufactured by Spain’s CASA, is a versatile aircraft with a payload capacity of 9.7 tons. It boastsshort takeoff and landing capabilities, making it suitable for operations from temporary airstrips. Its rear ramp door and customizable payload systems enable it to perform a wide range of missions, including troop transport, reconnaissance, disaster relief, and combat support.
India’s decision to acquire the C-295 follows years of negotiations withAirbus, culminating in a deal for 56 aircraft. The initial 16 aircraft will be manufactured in Spain and delivered to India, while the remaining 40 will be assembled in India. This marks a significant departure from India’s previous approach to defense procurement, which largely relied on imports.
Theproject has garnered attention for its potential to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and create new job opportunities. Airbus has already identified 37 Indian companies to participate in the production line as suppliers. While components like engines and avionics will be sourced from overseas, the Indian-made components currently account for48% of the total procurement cost for the C-295. This percentage is expected to increase to 75% in the future.
The C-295 will also feature an indigenously developed electronic warfare system, further enhancing India’s technological capabilities. The project serves as a testamentto India’s growing ambition to become a self-reliant defense powerhouse, capable of designing, manufacturing, and deploying advanced military equipment.
References:
- India begins production of Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, The Hindu, October 28, 2024.
*India, Spain inaugurate C-295 transport aircraft production line, The Times of India, October 28, 2024. - Modi, Sanchez inaugurate C-295 transport aircraft production line in Gujarat, NDTV, October 28, 2024.
*Airbus C-295: A new chapter in India’s defence manufacturing, Euronews, October 28, 2024. - India’s first private military aircraft factory to start production, Bloomberg, October 28, 2024.
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