India’s first private military aircraft assembly line inaugurated, aims to boost exports
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL)-Airbus facility on Monday, marking a historic milestone in India’s aerospace manufacturing.
This new venture, set up in Vadodara, Gujarat, will manufacture C-295 military transport aircraft, making it the first private sector assembly line for military aircraft in India.
Strengthening India-Spain Ties with ‘Make in India’ Vision
At the inauguration, Modi emphasized that the facility represents a new era in India-Spain relations, aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India, Make for the World” mission.
The collaboration with Airbus, he said, will not only strengthen India’s defence capabilities but also open avenues for future civil aircraft manufacturing in India.
Boosting India’s Defence Industry and Exports
The aircraft manufactured at this facility will initially serve the Indian Air Force but could be exported in the future.
In 2021, India inked a Rs 21,000 crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C-295 aircraft, aiming to replace the aging Avro-748 planes.
Under this agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft directly from Seville, Spain, while the remaining 40 will be assembled at the new Tata facility.
Developing a Self-Sustaining Aerospace Ecosystem
Beyond assembly, the TASL-Airbus facility will develop an extensive ecosystem for manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, and maintenance.
The project involves leading public sector units, including Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, along with various private enterprises.
The first aircraft assembled in India is expected to roll out by 2026.
The inauguration commenced with a roadshow led by Modi and Sanchez, stretching 2.5 kilometers from the airport to the Tata Advanced Systems facility, showcasing the excitement around this groundbreaking project for India’s defence sector.
