India Concludes C295 Aircraft Deliveries from Spain, Shifts Focus to Local Assembly in Vadodara

The Indian Air Force has significantly enhanced its tactical airlift capabilities with the delivery of the 16th and final C295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space in Seville, Spain. This delivery marks the completion of the initial phase of the C295 procurement program and signifies a strategic shift to the Indian production phase of the project.

The C295 aircraft, set to replace the aging Avro-748 fleet, is designed for a variety of missions including troop transport, cargo airlift, special operations, and humanitarian assistance. The conclusion of these deliveries from Spain paves the way for the next stage of the program, which focuses on local manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.

Now that the Spanish deliveries have been fulfilled, production efforts will transition to the final assembly line being established in Vadodara, Gujarat. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is collaborating with Airbus to set up this facility, which is poised to become India's first private-sector aircraft manufacturing project of its type. The Vadodara plant is scheduled to produce its first C295 aircraft by September 2026.

At the Vadodara facility, the remaining 40 aircraft will undergo assembly, integration, and testing. Key components, including fuselages, empennages, and wings, will be manufactured domestically. This development represents a crucial step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing and technological advancement.

Over 125 Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are already participating in the C295 program. Airbus and Tata are focused on establishing a robust supply chain and maintenance infrastructure to support Indian operations, while also preparing for potential export opportunities. The initiative is anticipated to create thousands of skilled jobs, facilitate substantial technology transfer, and fortify India’s defense industrial capacity.

The move towards domestic production positions the C295 program as a milestone in collaborative defense manufacturing under the Make in India vision, enhancing operational capability and fostering long-term strategic autonomy.