First Made-In-India Airbus C-295 Aircraft Ready For Flight Test At Vadodara Facility

Last Updated:May 17, 2026, 16:56 IST

The C-295 aircraft is set to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 transport fleet.

India has achieved a major breakthrough in defence aviation manufacturing with the completion of the first domestically assembled Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at the Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. The aircraft is now being prepared for its maiden flight test, marking a significant step in the country’s push for indigenous defence production under the Make in India initiative.

The development is being seen as a key milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imported military platforms.

IAF Reviews Progress At Vadodara Plant

Indian Air Force Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti recently visited the final assembly line at the Vadodara facility to review the progress of the programme.

According to the IAF, the aircraft is in the final stages of preparation for its inaugural flight and reflects India’s growing capability in advanced aerospace manufacturing through the partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus.

India-Spain Defence Partnership

The Vadodara plant was inaugurated on October 28, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

India had signed a ₹21,935 crore agreement with Spain for the procurement of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft. Under the agreement, 16 aircraft are being delivered directly from Spain in fly away condition, while the remaining 40 are being manufactured in India.

Aircraft To Replace Ageing Avro Fleet

The C-295 aircraft is set to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 transport fleet. Designed as a medium tactical transport aircraft, it can be used for troop deployment, cargo transport, medical evacuation and special operations.

The aircraft can carry up to 70 troops, 48 paratroopers or 24 medical stretchers. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines, the aircraft is capable of operating from short, rugged and semi prepared airstrips, including those in remote and mountainous areas.

Officials said the aircraft will also feature an indigenous electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Boost To India’s Aerospace Manufacturing Ecosystem

Under the programme, Tata Advanced Systems is responsible for detailed manufacturing, final assembly, avionics and engine installation, aircraft testing, long term maintenance and future upgrades.

The project is expected to significantly strengthen India’s domestic aerospace ecosystem. More than 85 per cent of the structural manufacturing and final assembly work for the 40 India made aircraft will be carried out within the country.

The programme will also lead to the production of over 13,000 aircraft parts in India. Officials said 37 Indian suppliers from both public and private sectors have already been integrated into the supply chain, supporting the broader Make in India manufacturing push.

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