Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu unveiled the first Made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft during a visit to Vadodara.
The event marks a significant step in India's effort to reduce reliance on foreign defense imports by establishing a domestic aerospace manufacturing base. This initiative aligns with the broader Make-in-India agenda to transform the country into a global hub for defense production.
Naidu Kinjarapu visited the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) manufacturing facility in Gujarat to view the aircraft. The C-295 is a tactical transport plane designed for short-range missions and operates from unprepared airstrips. By producing these aircraft locally, India aims to enhance its indigenous aerospace capabilities and technical expertise.
"Seeing India build aircraft like these at home is truly special," Naidu Kinjarapu said.
The project is part of a larger procurement strategy. India signed a contract in 2021 to purchase 56 C-295 aircraft from Airbus in a deal valued at $2.6 billion [1]. The partnership with TASL allows for the transfer of technology, and the creation of a local assembly line for the military transport fleet.
The facility in Vadodara serves as the center for this production effort. The aircraft are intended to modernize the Indian military's transport capabilities, providing a more efficient alternative to aging fleets while boosting the local industrial ecosystem.
Naidu Kinjarapu said that the development of such aircraft within India is a point of national pride. He said that the glimpses of the first domestically produced unit represent the tangible results of the government's push for self-reliance in defense.
“"Seeing India build aircraft like these at home is truly special."”
The production of the C-295 in Vadodara signifies a shift from simple assembly to complex aerospace manufacturing within India. By partnering with Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems, India is attempting to build a sustainable domestic supply chain for military aviation, which reduces long-term logistical dependence on European suppliers and strengthens the strategic autonomy of its defense sector.
