Why C295 aircraft project is a game changer for India. Know in 5 points

The C295 facility in Gujarat is the first private factory from which planes, ready to take to the skies, will be rolled out. From enhancing India's defence capabilities, creating jobs and positioning India as an exporter, the Tata-Airbus C295 project is a game changer.

In Short

• Airbus, Tata to produce C295 at India's first private military aircraft plant in Gujarat
• C295 project will boost India's defence, to help indigenous aviation infrastructure
• Project will create over 3,000 jobs, aid aircraft manufacture and export prospects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart, President Pedro Sanchez, on Monday inaugurated India's first private military transport aircraft production plant in Gujarat's Vadodra. It is India's first final assembly line in the private aviation industry. What this means is that planes, ready to take to the skies, will roll out of the factory.

Located at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus, the facility will be responsible for manufacturing the Airbus C295 aircraft, marking a significant milestone for India's aerospace industry, the manufacturing ecosystem and defence capabilities.

The 'Make in India' project is a game changer for India in several ways, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and will also boost India's ambition to export aircraft.

Here are five points why the C295 aircraft and it being 'Made in India' will be a game changer for India.

1. C295 AIRCRAFT BOOSTS INDIAN DEFENCE TACTICALLY

The induction of the C295 aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF) marks a substantial upgrade in the country's tactical airlift capabilities. The aircraft, designed and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, is versatile and can perform a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo airlift, medical evacuation, and maritime patrol.

The C295 will replace the ageing fleet of the Soviet Antonov An-32 and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Avro 748.

"The Airbus C295 is a technological capability leap compared to the Avro 748," Defence expert Kunal Biswas wrote on X.

The C295's ability to operate from short and unpaved runways makes it ideal for navigating challenging terrain, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and along India's strategic maritime boundary.

With its top cruise speed of 482 kmph and the ability to carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 soldiers or 48 paratroopers, the C295 significantly enhances the IAF's operational readiness and flexibility.

The C295, a battle-tested twin-turboprop, also has the capability of cargo-dropping, electronic signals intelligence, medical evacuations, maritime patrol and refuelling, making it a versatile choice for Indian defence forces.

2. C295, A BOOST TO 'MAKE IN INDIA'

The C295 project has turned out to be a cornerstone of India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and promote domestic manufacturing.

Under the C-295 programme, a total of 56 aircraft are planned, with Airbus delivering the first 16 C295 aircraft in fly-away condition from its Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be built and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at the new facility in Vadodara.

As of today, five C-295s have been delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The first C295 landed in India in September 2023.

The inaugural 'Made in India' C295 aircraft is anticipated to roll out in September 2026, with the remaining units expected to be delivered by August 2031.

3. JOB CREATION AND A BOOST TO BUDDING ECOSYSTEM

The Tata-Airbus C295 project is expected to have a profound impact on employment and the local economy.

The establishment of the C295 manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, is anticipated to diversify India's aerospace industry, which has traditionally been concentrated in southern regions like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Belgaum.

The collaboration will directly create over 3,000 jobs at various sites and support more than 15,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain, according to a PTI report. The assembly of each aircraft will require over 1 million hours of labour effort from TASL and its suppliers, fostering a skilled workforce.

Additionally, the project will promote the growth of ancillary sectors, including those involved in manufacturing components and providing services.

The commercial and financial benefits of the C295 manufacturing facility are expected to trigger a significant trickle-down effect.

4. BUILDING INDIA'S AEROSPACE INFRASTRUCTURE

The introduction of the C295 aircraft also involves the establishment of comprehensive training and maintenance infrastructure. Training facilities are being developed to train IAF personnel to operate and maintain the C295 aircraft efficiently.

This includes the setup of maintenance facilities, supply chains for spare parts, and long-term support agreements to ensure the continued airworthiness of India's C295 fleet.

Furthermore, the project includes the establishment of a Stick Holding Depot in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj and a Training Centre at the Air Force Station in Agra, according to the MyGovIndia X handle.

This will aid India's budding civil and military aviation industry, which is now dominated by foreign players like Boeing, Airbus, ATR, and public sector manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

5. C295 PROJECT SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS AVIATION EXPORT

The C295 project is not only significant for India's domestic needs but also holds promise for future export opportunities.

The Tata-Airbus manufacturing facility will not only advance India's ambition to export aircraft but also contribute to the production of the country's first civil aircraft, PM Modi said in Vadodra.

After the completion of the delivery of 56 aircraft to the IAF, Airbus Defence and Space will be allowed to sell the aircraft manufactured in India to civil operators and export them to countries cleared by the Government of India. This aligns with the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative, positioning India as a competitive player in the global aerospace market dominated by European and American players.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the C295 aircraft production plant in Vadodara marks a pivotal moment in India's journey towards self-reliance and aerospace excellence, proving to be a game changer.