The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially received the 16th and final C-295 transport aircraft directly from the Airbus Defence and Space production facility in Seville, Spain.
This delivery concludes the first phase of a landmark ₹21,935-crore deal signed in September 2021 to modernise India's tactical transport fleet. The project will now enter its next significant stage, with the remaining 40 aircraft set to be manufactured in India.
The versatile C-295 aircraft are slated to replace the IAF's obsolete Avro-748 fleet, which has been in service for over six decades. Known for its ability to operate from short and unpaved airstrips, the C-295 will substantially improve the IAF's logistical capabilities.
It is designed for a variety of missions, including transporting troops and cargo to remote areas, conducting special operations, and providing crucial support during disaster relief and humanitarian efforts.
With all direct deliveries from Spain now complete, the focus shifts to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) established in Vadodara, Gujarat.
This facility, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, marks a historic milestone as India's first private-sector aircraft manufacturing project of this scale.
The development is a major boost for the government's 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiatives in the defence sector.
The Vadodara plant is scheduled to roll out its first India-assembled C-295 aircraft by September 2026. The facility will be responsible for the final assembly, integration of systems, and testing of the aircraft.
Furthermore, major components like the fuselage, wings, and empennage (tail assembly) will be manufactured in India, fostering a robust domestic supply chain.
This programme extends beyond simple aircraft acquisition; it is a strategic initiative for technology transfer and building a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in the country.
Airbus is actively training Indian engineers and collaborating with local suppliers to gradually increase the indigenous content in the aircraft.
The project already involves more than 125 Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in its supply chain.
The long-term vision for the Tata-Airbus partnership is to establish a world-class manufacturing and maintenance hub in India, which could eventually serve as a base for exporting the C-295 aircraft to other nations.
