First C-295 to roll out of Vadodara facility by September 2026
ECONOMY & POLICY

First C-295 to roll out of Vadodara facility by September 2026

The first C-295 military transport aircraft assembled in India is expected to roll out from the new facility in Vadodara by September 2026, according to official sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will inaugurate the Vadodara plant, operated by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), on October 30. The facility is a significant milestone as it marks the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is acquiring 56 C-295 aircraft under a Rs 219.35 billion contract signed in September 2021 with Airbus Defense and Space SA, Spain. Of these, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain by August 2025, while 40 will be manufactured locally in partnership with TASL.

Production of components has already commenced at TASL’s Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad, with parts to be transported to Vadodara for final assembly. Pre-assembly activities at the Vadodara plant will begin in December 2024, with full assembly starting by October 2025.

The IAF has already inducted six C-295 aircraft, with deliveries taking place at the Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad. The remaining 39 aircraft manufactured in India are scheduled for delivery by August 2031. The C-295 aircraft will replace the IAF’s ageing Avro-748 fleet, which has been in service for over 60 years.

The C-295 is a versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, conducting airdrop missions, and supporting medical evacuation. It is also designed for special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol. Each aircraft will feature an electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

TASL will gradually increase local value addition from 48% for the initial 16 aircraft to 75% for the remaining 24 units. Of the 14,000 components used per aircraft, 13,000 will be produced in India, with 37 companies, including 33 MSMEs, participating in the supply chain.

The C-295 project is expected to generate over 600 high-skill jobs directly, 3,000 indirect jobs, and an additional 3,000 medium-skill positions, totaling more than 4.25 million man-hours of work. Airbus aims to transfer up to 96% of its production capacity from Spain to India by the time the project reaches full maturity.

This initiative aligns with the government’s 'Make in India' program, fostering a domestic aerospace ecosystem and enhancing the capabilities of the Indian private sector in military manufacturing.

(ET)

The first C-295 military transport aircraft assembled in India is expected to roll out from the new facility in Vadodara by September 2026, according to official sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will inaugurate the Vadodara plant, operated by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), on October 30. The facility is a significant milestone as it marks the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is acquiring 56 C-295 aircraft under a Rs 219.35 billion contract signed in September 2021 with Airbus Defense and Space SA, Spain. Of these, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain by August 2025, while 40 will be manufactured locally in partnership with TASL. Production of components has already commenced at TASL’s Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad, with parts to be transported to Vadodara for final assembly. Pre-assembly activities at the Vadodara plant will begin in December 2024, with full assembly starting by October 2025. The IAF has already inducted six C-295 aircraft, with deliveries taking place at the Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad. The remaining 39 aircraft manufactured in India are scheduled for delivery by August 2031. The C-295 aircraft will replace the IAF’s ageing Avro-748 fleet, which has been in service for over 60 years. The C-295 is a versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, conducting airdrop missions, and supporting medical evacuation. It is also designed for special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol. Each aircraft will feature an electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). TASL will gradually increase local value addition from 48% for the initial 16 aircraft to 75% for the remaining 24 units. Of the 14,000 components used per aircraft, 13,000 will be produced in India, with 37 companies, including 33 MSMEs, participating in the supply chain. The C-295 project is expected to generate over 600 high-skill jobs directly, 3,000 indirect jobs, and an additional 3,000 medium-skill positions, totaling more than 4.25 million man-hours of work. Airbus aims to transfer up to 96% of its production capacity from Spain to India by the time the project reaches full maturity. This initiative aligns with the government’s 'Make in India' program, fostering a domestic aerospace ecosystem and enhancing the capabilities of the Indian private sector in military manufacturing. (ET)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Next Story
Real Estate

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?