Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India’s first private-sector military transport aircraft production plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Monday. This facility marks India’s debut final assembly line in the private aviation sector, where fully assembled aircraft ready for deployment will be manufactured.
Located at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus, the plant will produce Airbus C295 aircraft, representing a major advancement for India’s aerospace industry, manufacturing capabilities, and defense sector.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the ‘Make in India’ project as a transformative initiative that will not only strengthen India’s defense industry but also support the country’s goal of exporting aircraft.
C295 Aircraft Launched
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus have launched the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a major advancement in India’s defense manufacturing. This cutting-edge facility is the first of its kind in India’s private sector to produce military aircraft, a key achievement under the “Make in India” initiative.
The complex is set to produce 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with 40 manufactured locally in India, while the remaining 16 will be delivered from Spain, ready for immediate use.
Also Read: Air India Mumbai-New York Flight Diverted to Delhi After Bomb Threat
About C295 Aircraft
The C295 aircraft is a highly versatile, multi-role tactical airlifter designed for various operations, including logistics transport and rescue missions. Its adaptability and efficiency make it suitable for a range of critical tasks.
The name “C295” encapsulates key aspects of the aircraft’s design and capabilities. As per Airbus, “C” stands for CASA, the original manufacturer, “2” represents its two engines, and “95” refers to its payload capacity of 9.5 tonnes.
Equipped with a powerful Pratt and Whitney Canada PW100 engine, delivering 2,645 hp, the C295 also features an upgraded propeller and a redesigned wing, enhancing its performance over previous models.
C295 Inauguration Ceremony with Key Leaders
On October 28, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón inaugurated India’s first private-sector military aircraft facility in Vadodara. The ceremony also featured Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn, symbolizing a strong India-Spain collaboration aimed at boosting India’s defense capabilities.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the project’s strategic importance, calling the C295 aircraft facility a representation of “New India’s work culture.” He lauded it as a pivotal element of the “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision, underscoring its role in transforming India’s aerospace manufacturing landscape.
He also celebrated the collaboration between TASL and Airbus as a testament to India’s growing expertise in domestic manufacturing and innovation.
Key Features of the C295 Aircraft
The C295 aircraft is designed for high utility, making it ideal for tactical transport, cargo handling, medical evacuation, and surveillance missions. Here are some of its standout features:
Payload and Capacity: It can carry up to 9 tonnes of cargo or transport 71 troops, reaching a top speed of 260 knots (481 km/h).
Air-to-Air Refueling: The C295 is equipped to perform air-to-air refueling for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
Range and Endurance: With a range of up to 5,000 km and an endurance of 11 hours, it’s well-suited for extended missions. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability allows it to operate on short, unpaved runways.
Design and Cabin: The aircraft includes a retractable landing gear and a spacious, pressurized cabin measuring 12.69 meters in length, enhancing comfort and versatility.
Altitude Flexibility: Capable of high-altitude flight up to 30,000 feet, the C295 also excels in low-level flight, performing well on short, unpaved, and even sandy or grassy airstrips.
Engine Power: Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, the aircraft offers superior maneuverability and can endure long missions with an impressive fuel-efficient performance, remaining airborne for up to 13 hours.
Recent One: Swami Rambhadracharya Criticizes 10-Year-Old Abhinav Arora
C295 Aircraft FAQs
Q.1. What is the significance of the C295 aircraft facility in Vadodara?
Ans. The Vadodara facility marks India’s first private-sector military aircraft production plant, enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities and supporting the “Make in India” initiative.
Q.2. What roles can the C295 aircraft perform?
Ans. The C295 is versatile, suitable for tactical transport, cargo handling, medical evacuation, air-to-air refueling, and surveillance missions.
Q.3. How many C295 aircraft will be produced in India?
Ans. A total of 56 C295 aircraft will be produced, with 40 manufactured domestically at the Vadodara plant and 16 imported from Spain.
Q.4. What are the key features of the C295 aircraft?
Ans. The C295 boasts a payload capacity of 9 tonnes, short takeoff and landing capabilities, a range of 5,000 km, and advanced Pratt & Whitney engines.
Q.5. How does the C295 aircraft align with India’s “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” vision?
Ans. The C295 production supports India’s goal of self-reliance by strengthening domestic manufacturing and promoting exports in the aerospace sector.
