India has reached an exciting milestone in defense aviation. The first Airbus C-295 transport aircraft assembled in the country is ready for flight testing at the Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara. This event highlights India’s growing role in military aircraft production as part of the “Make in India” initiative.
Recently, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, inspected the final assembly line at Tata Advanced Systems Limited-Airbus. He looked over the first C-295 aircraft and checked the preparations for its maiden flight.
India has a contract worth ₹21,935 crore with Spain for 56 Airbus C-295 medium transport aircraft. Sixteen of these will arrive ready-to-fly from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be made in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez officially opened the final assembly line in Vadodara on October 28, 2024.
The C-295 will replace the aging Avro-748 transport aircraft used by the Indian Air Force for decades. This new aircraft will significantly boost tactical airlift capabilities, handling missions like troop transport, cargo movement, medical evacuations, and special operations. It can carry up to 70 troops, 48 paratroopers, or 24 stretchers.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines, the C-295 can operate from short runways, including those in remote areas.
A key feature of the C-295 designed for India is its indigenous electronic warfare suite created by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited. This addition will increase operational capabilities and local involvement in the production process.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited is responsible for the detailed manufacturing, final assembly, avionics integration, engine installation, flight testing, and long-term maintenance support. The project has involved over 13,000 components produced in India, with contributions from 37 Indian companies in both public and private sectors. Remarkably, more than 85% of the structural work for the 40 domestically produced aircraft will be completed in India.
As of now, India is the largest customer for the Airbus C-295, reflecting a growing trend in military self-reliance and indigenous capabilities. This step not only enhances India’s defense readiness but also strengthens its aerospace industrial base, paving the way for future innovations in the sector.
For further information on India’s defense initiatives, you can visit The Economic Times.
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