Indian Air Force is set to enhance its defense capabilities as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new manufacturing plant for the C295 aircraft in Vadodara. The first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India, the plant is a result of the partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). This development comes after India signed a deal with Airbus in September 2021 to procure 56 C295 aircraft, in an effort to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes. The first Made-in-India aircraft is scheduled to roll out in September 2026, with a total of 16 fly-away aircraft being delivered between September 2023 and August 2025.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were present at the inauguration of the C295 aircraft manufacturing plant in Vadodara. The plant, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Airbus, will produce 56 transport aircrafts for the Indian Air Force, replacing the ageing Avro-748 fleet. The first 16 aircraft will be delivered from Spain within four years, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India by 2031. The induction of C295 will enhance the IAF's medium lift capability and bridge the gap left by the phased out AN-32 aircrafts.