Tata, Airbus Launch C295 Manufacturing in India

Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus have inaugurated a new Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, dedicated to manufacturing C295 transport aircraft in India. This facility, opened on October 28, 2024, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, represents the first private defense aircraft manufacturing operation in India. The event was also attended by Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn.

Chandrasekaran emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, “This advanced facility will manufacture the nation’s first private defense aircraft from the ground up, significantly enhancing both defense and advanced manufacturing capabilities.” Schoellhorn added, “This FAL will propel the advancement of the aerospace industrial ecosystem in the country, unlocking the potential for cutting-edge design, component manufacturing, aircraft assembly, and services capabilities across the Indian value chain.”

The Vadodara facility will focus on producing parts, sub-assemblies, and major assemblies required to build the C295 aircraft, as well as conducting final testing. This initiative stems from a 2021 agreement in which India ordered 56 C295 aircraft, with plans for 40 units to be assembled in India and the remaining 16 delivered directly from Airbus’ Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain. Six aircraft have already been handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of this agreement.

The Airbus C295 (previously CASA C-295) is a medium tactical military transport aircraft that was designed and initially manufactured by the Spanish aerospace company CASA, which is now part of the European multinational Airbus Defence and Space division.

Production of C295 components began at Tata’s Main Component Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad, with the parts for the first Indian-made C295 now en route to the Vadodara FAL. The completed aircraft is expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force by September 2026.

This new facility aligns with India’s push to develop domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its defense sector. The C295 aircraft will replace the IAF’s aging fleet of 57 Hawker Siddeley HS 748 (Avro-748) aircraft, which have been operational since the 1960s. The C295’s versatile design offers flexible configurations, allowing it to transport up to 71 personnel, accommodate 48 fully equipped paratroopers, or carry 24 stretchers for medical evacuations. With a cabin length of 12.7 meters (41 feet), the C295 is well-suited for a variety of missions, including cargo transport and tactical operations.

One of the C295’s notable advantages is its ability to operate from short, unprepared airstrips, requiring a runway length of only 670 meters (2,200 feet). This makes it an ideal choice for military operations in remote and rugged areas, aligning with the IAF’s needs for a versatile and reliable transport aircraft.

The Vadodara FAL represents a major step forward for India’s aerospace industry, positioning the country as a significant player in global defense manufacturing. The new facility is expected to boost local job creation and contribute to India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defense production, furthering the nation’s “Make in India” initiative.

With the opening of this facility, Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus are set to transform India’s aviation landscape, providing advanced manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the country’s defense infrastructure for years to come.

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