Tata and Airbus have launched a strategic initiative centred around the C295 aircraft programme, marking a significant milestone in India’s aerospace manufacturing sector. This programme represents India’s first private-sector aircraft manufacturing venture and aims to establish the country as a global hub for aerospace exports. From 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the first C295 aircraft assembled entirely in India, with future plans to export these aircraft to international markets.
The establishment of the FAL in India will further expand the C295 footprint, and ensure long-term sustainable growth. Our forecasts indicate the potential for hundreds of C295 aircraft to be produced from our facilities in Europe and India.
Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, Head of C295 India Programme, Airbus Defence and Space
The C295 programme signifies a shift in India’s defence manufacturing landscape. For the first time, Airbus has established a full production system outside its home countries, in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a Tata Group subsidiary. Under this agreement, 56 C295 aircraft will be delivered to the IAF, making India the largest operator of this aircraft globally.
Strengthening India’s defence capabilities
The C295 aircraft will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft, enhancing the IAF’s operational readiness across diverse terrains. With its adaptable configuration, the aircraft is designed for a variety of missions, including military transport and humanitarian aid, making it a vital addition to India’s defence arsenal.
This industrial ecosystem spans the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to component manufacturing and final assembly. Detailed components are produced at facilities in Nagpur, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, while the Main Component Assembly (MCA) is carried out in Hyderabad. These components are then transported to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, where the aircraft undergoes final assembly, integration, and testing.
Positioning India as a global aerospace hub
The initiative positions India as a key player in the global aerospace industry, with a robust supply chain that supports potential future orders for Airbus and other global customers. The Vadodara FAL will not only meet domestic requirements but also pave the way for aerospace exports, furthering the ‘Make in India’ vision.
Airbus has already delivered six C295 aircraft from its San Pablo site in Seville, Spain, with the remaining 40 units to be produced in Vadodara by 2031. The first Indian-made C295 is set to roll out in September 2026.
Advanced production and training capabilities
Airbus has integrated advanced digital technologies into the C295 production system in India to ensure quality and efficiency. The Vadodara FAL operates on a pulse-line system, similar to an automotive assembly line but tailored for the complexity of aircraft manufacturing.
The training aspect of the programme is also robust. Indian Air Force crews have begun training at Airbus’s San Pablo facility, with plans for additional personnel to train at a new simulator centre in Agra by the end of 2024.
A catalyst for India’s aerospace growth
The programme is a cornerstone of Airbus’s strategy to establish a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India. This includes manufacturing, innovation, training, and maintenance. With India’s civil aviation sector growing rapidly and its defence manufacturing capabilities expanding, the C295 programme is expected to attract further investments.
In addition to the C295 project, Airbus and Tata are collaborating on setting up a final assembly line for the H125 helicopter, further expanding India’s footprint in the aerospace sector.
The C295 initiative exemplifies how strategic partnerships and technology transfers can elevate India’s position in the global aerospace supply chain. By 2031, the Vadodara FAL will complete its deliveries to the IAF, solidifying India’s status as a hub for aerospace manufacturing and exports.
The Airbus-Tata collaboration on the C295 aircraft not only strengthens India’s defence capabilities but also underscores the country’s potential as a global player in the aerospace sector. With plans to export Indian-assembled aircraft, this initiative supports the broader goal of transforming India into a global manufacturing and export hub.
