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Project C-295: Key things to know about Indian defence industry's big moment

Writer's picture: Prabhjot Singh MaanPrabhjot Singh Maan

The foundation stone of the Tata-Airbus facility at Vadodara, Gujarat was laid by PM Modi on Sunday.


The factory, which will produce C-295 military transport planes, will significantly boost the nation's defence industry.


With this, India is now positioned to join the select group of nations that can produce this aircraft.



The following are some critical details regarding the project:


Rarefied club:

India is the newest nation to join the exclusive club of nations that can produce the C-295.

US, UK, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Brazil, China, and Japan are more members of the group.


By 2030, it is anticipated that the military transport aircraft market will reach $45 billion.

The IAF's contract with the new site will expire in 2031.

Following that, it can export its goods to other nations.



The major event in Indian aviation:

With the opening of the new facility, the Indian private sector will have a "unique opportunity to enter the technologically advanced and fiercely competitive aviation business.


It will boost domestic aircraft production, reducing reliance on imports and leading in anticipated growth in exports.


Additionally, 25 domestic MSME suppliers in the nation are slated to produce 13,400 parts, 4600 sub-assemblies, and all significant component assemblies.


According to the contract, 56 aircraft will be sent to the IAF and each of them will be equipped with a homegrown electronic warfare suite produced by Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Limited.


The new initiative is expected to set a precedent that will greatly benefit the domestic commercial aviation industry.


With 1,100 planes purchased since 2011, data reveals that Indian aviation companies are among the biggest consumers of commercial aircraft.


India's aviation industry is anticipated to expand quickly as the new project gradually improves the region's ecosystem.



Numerous firsts:

Vadodara will now handle 96% of the work that Airbus conducts in Spain, reaching a record-high level of local content usage.


Between September 2023 and August 2025, 16 C-295 aircraft are to be delivered — in "flyaway" condition.


The remaining 40 C-295 will need to be produced at the new factory.


This facility is the "first Make in India aerospace programme in the private sector involving the full development of a complete industrial ecosystem; from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft," according to an official statement.


Huge boost for the defence industry:

Make in India is expected to advance significantly with the new project.

India's efforts to modernise its defence industry, which currently includes programmes for missiles, field guns, tanks, aircraft carriers, drones, fighter planes, tanks, and helicopters, will be considerably aided by this.


The new facility is considered as filling a critical gap in India's military industrial complex and addressing a critical demand for the country's defence.


The 1960s-era Avro planes are currently the only ones that the Indian military may use for transportation needs.


Fresh manufacturing strength:

The factory's initial goal is to produce 8 aeroplanes annually.

However, it can also accommodate any further requirements of the armed forces or exports.


According to a statement by the defence ministry, the facility will be allowed to sell India-built C-295s to civil operators and to a government-approved list of countries after delivering 56 aircraft to the air force.


The Vadodara facility is eventually considered as reflecting the Brahmos success narrative in India.



Edited by: Prabhjot Singh Maan ( LinkedIn ).

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