New Delhi: The first Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft fully manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is expected to be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) soon.
The programme stems from a 2021 agreement signed by the Union government with Spain to procure 56 C-295 aircraft at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore. Of these, 16 aircraft were delivered from Spain in fly-away condition, while the remaining 40 are being built in Vadodara, Gujarat, by TASL.
The upcoming induction is being seen as a significant milestone for India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. For years, military aircraft production in the country largely revolved around the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), but the C-295 project marks a shift toward a broader industrial base.
Recently, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal A.K. Bharti visited the Tata facility in Vadodara and reviewed final-stage work on the aircraft being readied for test runs. The development is also positioned as a step toward self-reliance, reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic logistics and operational capability.
Operationally, the C-295 is designed for demanding terrain such as Jammu & Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh and the North-East. It can operate from short, unpaved runways, carry up to 9.5 tonnes of cargo or 70 troops, and support roles including reconnaissance, medical evacuation and disaster relief, with a reported top speed of 482 kmph and a range of up to 5,000 km.
