India launches its first private military aircraft facility

India inaugurated its first private military aircraft manufacturing facility, the C295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, Gujarat, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus to produce 56 aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Attended by Indian and Spanish leaders, the facility aligns with India’s self-reliance goals, fostering local job creation and aerospace expertise while positioning Vadodara as a strategic hub in both defence and civil aviation manufacturing.

Image Source: Adobe

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus recently inaugurated India’s first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing facility, the C295 Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex in Vadodara, Gujarat. This landmark initiative will produce 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with 40 assembled in India and 16 delivered from Spain fully built.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón led the inauguration on October 28, 2024. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn were also in attendance, reflecting the strong partnership between India and Spain in advancing defence manufacturing.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the facility’s role in advancing “AatmaNirbhar Bharat,” or a self-reliant India, calling the C295 complex “a reflection of New India’s work culture.” He praised the TASL-Airbus collaboration as a testament to India’s growing capability for domestic innovation.

The FAL complex represents a new era for India’s private sector in the global aerospace industry. Modi noted the rapid progress from foundation stone in October 2022 to completion, underscoring India’s commitment to swift execution. He also drew parallels with Vadodara’s Bombardier Train Coach facility, which has become a metro coach export hub, envisioning a similar future for the C295 complex.

This project has engaged 37 Indian suppliers and certified 21 specialized processes to support production, creating a robust local supply chain, with a potential to create jobs and develop advanced technical skills within India, marking a move from assembly to high-tech manufacturing.

PM Modi highlighted the country’s shift from import dependency to a thriving domestic defence industry. Strategic reforms have spurred private sector participation, improved efficiency in public units, and established new defence corridors. India’s defence exports now reach over 100 countries, growing 30-fold in the past decade.

The Prime Minister’s vision extends beyond military production to civil aviation. With India’s regional air connectivity expanding and significant investment in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, the country is poised to become a future hub for civil aircraft production. Indian airlines have ordered over 1,200 new aircraft, and Modi expressed confidence that the C295 complex would support civil aviation manufacturing for both domestic and global markets.

Vadodara’s strong industrial base and MSME network make it a strategic location for the FAL. Modi noted the city’s contributions across various industries and Gatishakti University’s role in developing skilled professionals for local economic growth. Quoting Spanish poet Antonio Machado, Modi expressed optimism for future India-Spain joint projects and invited Spanish businesses to explore partnerships in India.

The Tata Aircraft complex in Vadodara represents a significant leap forward for India’s aerospace capabilities, with the first indigenously manufactured C-295 aircraft set to be delivered in 2026. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran’s announcement underscores the commitment to advancing domestic production and innovation in military aviation.