India Takes Full Control of C-295 Fleet with Local Production on the Horizon

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India has officially taken delivery of the final C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain, marking the conclusion of the initial import phase of a landmark defense deal. The handover of the 16th aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space in Seville, Spain, was completed ahead of schedule, with Indian Ambassador Dinesh K. Patnaik and senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officials in attendance. This development paves the way for the next phase of the program, which will see the remaining 40 aircraft manufactured domestically in a move set to boost India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

The acquisition of 56 C-295s, a program worth approximately $2.8 billion, is a significant step in modernizing the IAF’s tactical airlift capabilities. These new-generation aircraft, with a payload capacity of 5-10 tonnes, are intended to replace the aging Avro-748 fleet. The C-295 is a versatile aircraft known for its ability to operate from short, semi-prepared runways, making it ideal for troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and special operations in remote and challenging terrains.

The focus now shifts to the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, where Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is collaborating with Airbus to establish India’s first private-sector military aircraft final assembly line. The facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in October 2024. According to a representative from the Indian Embassy in Madrid, the early delivery from Spain “marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s defense capabilities.”

The “Make in India” initiative is at the core of this project, which aims to create a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem within the country. The Vadodara plant will not only assemble the aircraft but will also involve the domestic manufacturing of key components, with over 125 Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) already participating in the program. The first India-built C-295 is expected to roll out from this facility by September 2026, with the remaining 39 aircraft scheduled for delivery by August 2031. This initiative is expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs and facilitate crucial technology transfer, positioning India as a strategic partner in global aerospace manufacturing.