• Inauguration by Prime Minister Modi: The manufacturing facility for the C295 military aircraft was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Vadodara, Gujarat. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined him for the ceremony.
• Significance of the Facility: This plant, operated by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), is India’s first private-sector military aircraft assembly line, marking a notable step in domestic defense manufacturing.

Background and Manufacturing Partnerships

• Original Manufacturer: The C295 was initially developed by Spanish aircraft manufacturer Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA, now part of Airbus.
• India’s Agreement with Airbus: In September 2021, India signed a contract worth ₹21,935 crore with Airbus Defence and Space to acquire 56 C295 aircraft. This is intended to replace the aging Avro-748 planes in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) since the early 1960s.
• Production Split: Under the deal, Airbus will manufacture and deliver the first 16 aircraft in “fly-away” condition from its facility in Spain. The remaining 40 will be produced domestically by TASL in India through an industrial partnership.

Timeline for Delivery and Manufacturing in India

• Delivery Schedule:
  • The first batch of 16 fly-away aircraft is expected between September 2023 and August 2025.
  • The first Indian-made C295 aircraft is anticipated in September 2026, with the final unit delivered by August 2031.
• Expansion for Civil and Export Markets: Post-delivery, Airbus will have the authorization to sell Indian-made C295 aircraft to civil operators and export to nations approved by the Indian government.

Technical Specifications of the C295 Aircraft

• Transport Capacity: Designed as a tactical transport aircraft, the C295 has a payload capacity of 5 to 10 tonnes, with a top speed of 480 km/h.
• Cabin and Seating: The C295 offers an unobstructed 12.7-meter cabin (41 feet 8 inches), the longest in its class, with seating for 71 troops.
• Unique Features: The aircraft has a rear ramp for rapid troop and cargo deployment, enabling quick-response missions and paradrops.
• Indigenous Upgrades: All 56 aircraft will include an indigenous electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Limited. This manufacturing project will feature one of the highest indigenous content levels for a military aircraft produced in India.

Operational Capability in Varied Terrains

• Global Operations: The C295 is capable of performing in diverse environments:
  • South America: Operates in Brazilian jungles and Colombian mountains.
  • Middle East and Africa: Used in Algerian and Jordanian deserts.
  • Europe: Effective in the cold climates of Poland and Finland.
  • Conflict Zones: Has served in military operations in challenging regions, including Chad, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Roles and Multi-Mission Capabilities of the C295

• Primary Role: Tactical transport of troops and supplies, including operations from main airbases to forward areas.
• Short Take-off and Landing (STOL): Can operate from short and unprepared airstrips as short as 2,200 feet.
• Low-Altitude Operations: Capable of low-level tactical missions at speeds as low as 110 knots.
• Additional Roles:
  • Medical and Casualty Evacuations: Adaptable for medical evacuation missions.
  • Special Operations and Disaster Response: Effective in specialized missions and humanitarian relief.
  • Maritime Patrol: Can also undertake surveillance and maritime patrol duties.

Impact on India’s Defense and Manufacturing Landscape

• ‘Make in India’ Initiative: The C295 project is a significant advancement for India’s “Make in India” initiative, focusing on bolstering local defense production and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
• Future Export Potential: The project also opens avenues for India to become a manufacturing and export hub for tactical military aircraft.