Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez opened a new Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara. This complex will make C-295 aircraft, which are military planes. It is important because it is the first private factory in India to build military aircraft. As part of the deal, the factory will produce 40 C-295 planes, while Airbus, a big aeroplane company, will directly provide 16 more planes.

About C-295 Aircraft

The C-295 is a new type of transport plane that can carry loads between 5 and 10 tonnes. It will take the place of the older Avro-748 planes used by the Indian Air Force. This can carry up to 71 soldiers or 50 paratroopers and is built to work in areas where bigger planes cannot go.

This can fly at a speed of 260 knots and can take off and land on short runways. It can land on rough surfaces like soft sand or grass. This plane is very dependable and can stay in the air for up to 11 hours. It is made to work in all kinds of weather and can carry out missions during the day or at night, whether in deserts or over the ocean.

It can also be used as a flying hospital for medical emergencies. It can refuel other planes and helicopters while in the air. The aircraft has a door at the back that allows troops to quickly get in or out, and it can take off and land on rough or partly prepared ground.

All 56 C-295 aircraft will be equipped with a special electronic warfare system made by Indian defence companies, Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics. The C-295 can fly high, up to 30,000 feet, and it can also fly well at low heights. This aircraft has shown that it can perform well in tough places, like Chad, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the rainy jungles of Brazil.

Tata Aircraft complex in Varodara

The Tata Aircraft Complex will take care of everything needed for the C-295 aircraft, including making them, testing them, delivering them, and keeping them in good condition. The first C-295 aircraft from the Tata-Airbus factory in Vadodara is expected to be finished by September 2026. The other 39 aircraft are planned to be delivered by August 2031.

Besides Tata, other government defence companies like Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics will help with this project. Smaller businesses will also be involved. By 2031, India will have the most C-295 aircraft, with a total of 56 planes in use.