Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez launched the Tata-Airbus Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, in the country's first-ever private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) of military aircraft. The Tata-Airbus Aircraft complex will manufacture the C-295 transport aircraft, one of the modern aircraft additions that will replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Avro-748 planes.

How will the C-295 program strengthen India’s defense?

The C-295 program involves 56 aircraft. The first 16 are to be transferred directly from the Airbus headquarters in Spain, while the remaining 40 will be assembled at the Vadodara facility.  Considering the fact that the aforesaid facility will make and assemble, then test and even repair in-house, the development here seems to be the greatest single improvement seen for the setup of India's defense manufacturing and is well lined under the aegis of the 'Make in India' initiative.

Capable of carrying up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, the C-295 is also described to have "robust and reliable" performance for its tactical transport role. With all-weather capabilities and day and night combat operations, it also comes equipped with a rear ramp to fasten the movement of men and cargo while also possessing the capability of taking off from semi-prepared surfaces.

A tribute to Ratan Tata's visionary leadership

Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the late Ratan Tata, the visionary behind the Tata-Airbus partnership. "Recently, we lost the country's great son Ratan Tata ji. If he had been among us today, he would have been happy, but wherever his soul is, he would be happy," PM Modi remarked. This aeronautical venture had initially been conceptualised in 2012 by the then chairman of Tata Sons to develop contact with Airbus and further position India in the international aeronautical sector.

Speaking at the function, current Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran also paid a tribute to Ratan Tata as the visionary who led the project. “I would like to remember him for his visionary leadership in this very path-breaking initiative,” he said.

Spain’s commitment to India’s growth

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the collaboration was important, and the project would open the way for increased European presence in India's industrial scenario. "Tata is a giant among giants," Sanchez said, adding that the partnership embodies Tata's leadership in the global industry. Sanchez said he was hopeful that this initiative would be a "symbol of industrial excellence" and would further deepen strategic ties between Spain and India.

All 56 aircraft of C-295 would be equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited. This Electronic Warfare suite is going to further boost multi-role operational capabilities of aircraft and will add one more layer of security and functionality to the design of the aircraft.

This momentous inauguration fit into the quest of making India become a global aerospace manufacturing power. The Tata-Airbus Aircraft Complex will not just meet the need of Indian Air Force orders but it will also herald export order opportunities, embracing the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ mission that PM Modi delivered during the ceremony.