Vadodara: Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly opened the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, which would manufacture C-295 aircraft.
Under the C-295 program, a total of 56 aircraft will be built at the facility, which is the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. Of these, 16 will be delivered directly by the Spanish aircraft manufacturer Airbus, while the remaining 40 will be constructed on-site.
From the aircraft’s construction and assembly to testing and validation, delivery, and maintenance, it will include the full development of an entire ecosystem. In 2021, Airbus Defense and Space SA, Spain, and the Ministry of Defense inked a ₹21,935-crore agreement for the supply of 56 aircraft.
PM Modi stated during the inaugural ceremony that the aircraft built at the Vadodara facility would eventually be exported as well.
“The Tata-Airbus manufacturing facility will strengthen the India-Spain relations and the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ mission,” Prime Minister Modi stated when he set the groundwork for the FAL plant in Vadodara in October 2022.
He also honored Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, who is credited as being the project’s driving force. Earlier this month, Mr. Tata passed away at the age of 86.
Ratan Tata ji, the nation’s great son, passed away recently. He would have been content if he had been here with us today, but he would be content wherever his soul is,” he remarked.
Ratan Tata came up with the idea for the initiative in 2012, according to Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, who was present at the occasion.
If I neglect to mention that this project was first conceived in 2012, more than ten years ago, by Ratan Tata ji, the chairman of Tata Sons at the time, who spearheaded the idea to establish a relationship with Airbus, established this partnership with Airbus, and set the groundwork for this opportunity, I will have failed in my duty.
Therefore, I want to honor him for his inspirational leadership in this groundbreaking project,” he stated.
Spanish PM: “Tata Is A Giant Among Giants”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that the collaboration between Airbus and Tata will help the Indian aerospace sector grow and “open new doors” for the entry of other European businesses.
“The best of two worlds are combined in this endeavor. The greatest example of Indian industrial might is most likely Tata. Its goods and services are available in almost every nation on the earth. He remarked, “Tata is a giant among giants.”
“Our nation’s strong commitment as a dependable and strategic partner is reinforced by this project, which also strengthens our industrial ties,” Mr. Pedro continued.
“Industrial excellence, an engine of growth, and a testament to the close and growing friendship” is what he stated this plant would represent.
Why the C-295 Aircraft Is Revolutionary?
The Indian Air Force’s aging Avro-748 aircraft will be replaced by the modern C-295, a transport aircraft with a 5–10 tonne payload. It is well known that the C-295 is an excellent aircraft for logistical missions to areas that are inaccessible to bigger aircraft at the moment, as well as for the tactical transport of up to 71 infantry or 50 paratroopers.
With a maximum flight duration of 11 hours, the so-called “robust and reliable” aircraft can perform multi-role operations in all weather.
It is capable to conducting combat missions day and night in a variety of locations, including deserts and seas.
The C-295 can paradrop troops and cargo quickly thanks to its back ramp door. It also has the ability to take off and land quickly from surfaces that are partially prepared.
Additionally, an indigenous Electronic Warfare suite produced by Indian DPSUs Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Limited would be installed in all 56 aircraft covered by the pact.