India has inaugurated its first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing facility in collaboration with Spain’s Airbus Defence and Space, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense production capabilities. Located in Vadodara, Gujarat, the plant is a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, established to produce the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This state-of-the-art facility is a cornerstone of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, focusing on indigenizing advanced defense technologies. The plant will manufacture 40 of the 56 C-295 aircraft ordered by the IAF, with the remaining 16 to be supplied in flyaway condition from Airbus’s Spanish facility. Beyond assembly, the plant will develop key components, subsystems, and maintenance infrastructure, creating a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem.
The C-295 aircraft, known for its versatility, will enhance the IAF’s tactical airlift capabilities, supporting missions such as troop transport, disaster relief, and medical evacuation. The plant is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, promote skill development, and boost the domestic supply chain with over 125 MSMEs participating in the production process.
This collaboration underscores India’s growing role as a global hub for defense manufacturing and highlights its commitment to fostering public-private partnerships to achieve strategic self-reliance. The plant also positions India as a potential exporter of military aircraft, expanding its footprint in the global defense market.
