Airbus and Tata Launch Final Assembly Line for C295 Military Transport Aircraft in Gujarat
Vadodara, Gujarat – In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have inaugurated a new final assembly line (FAL) facility in Vadodara. This state-of-the-art facility is set to support the local production of the Indian Air Force’s upcoming fleet of C295 military transport aircraft.
The opening of the FAL comes after India’s agreement in September 2021 to procure 56 C-295s from Airbus, aiming to replace the outdated Avro Hawker Siddeley 748 airliners, which have been in service since the 1960s.
According to Airbus, the Vadodara FAL will handle major component assemblies, sub-assemblies, tooling, jigs, and testers necessary for completing the aircraft’s airframe. As part of the government’s "Make in India" initiative, the program will facilitate the production of 40 C295 aircraft in Gujarat, while the remaining units will be manufactured at Airbus’ facility in Seville, Spain. To date, six of the aircraft have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force, with parts for the first domestic C295 shipment also arriving at the new facility.
Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the significance of the FAL’s inauguration in the pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing. "This FAL will propel the advancement of the aerospace industrial ecosystem in the country, unlocking potential for cutting-edge design, component manufacturing, aircraft assembly, and services capabilities," he stated.
The C295 aircraft boasts a length of 24 meters and a wingspan of 26 meters, accommodating more than 70 passengers and payloads up to 9,250 kilograms. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines, the C295 has a maximum speed of 482 kilometers per hour and an operational range of 5,000 kilometers, making it a vital addition to the Indian Air Force’s modernization efforts.
The collaboration between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems marks a pivotal moment for India’s aerospace and defense sector, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a robust indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.
