Modi Inaugurates C-295 Aircraft Plant in Vadodara

October 29, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new plant in Vadodara. This facility will manufacture the C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the event, marking an important milestone in India’s military aviation capabilities. The plant is the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

Background of the C-295

The C-295 is a transport aircraft originally produced by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA, now part of Airbus. In September 2021 signed a deal worth Rs 21,935 crore with Airbus Defence and Space for 56 C-295 aircraft. These are intended to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes used by the IAF since the 1960s.

Production and Delivery Timeline

Under the agreement, the first 16 aircraft will be delivered in ‘fly-away’ condition from Seville, Spain, between September 2023 and August 2025. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in India. The first Made-in-India aircraft is expected to roll out in September 2026, with all 39 to be completed by August 2031.

Technical Specifications

The C-295MW is a versatile transport aircraft. It has a capacity of 5 to 10 tonnes and a maximum speed of 480 km/h. Key features include

Rear ramp door for quick troop and cargo deployment.
Short take-off and landing capabilities from semi-prepared surfaces.
Cabin dimensions of 12.7 metres, accommodating up to 71 seats.
Enhanced cargo capacity with direct off-loading through the rear ramp.

All 56 aircraft will include an indigenous electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Indigenous Content and Local Manufacturing

Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar brought to light that the C-295 will have the highest indigenous content of any Indian aircraft. Notably, 96% of the work done by Airbus in Spain will be replicated at the Vadodara facility.

Global Operations of the C-295

The C-295 has demonstrated versatility across various terrains worldwide. It operates in:

Brazilian jungles and Colombian mountains.
Deserts of Algeria and Jordan.
Cold climates of Poland and Finland.

Additionally, it has participated in military operations in Chad, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Roles and Capabilities

As a tactical transport aircraft, the C-295 serves multiple roles:

Transporting troops and logistical supplies to forward operating bases.
Operating from short, unprepared airstrips, requiring only 2,200 feet for take-off and landing.
Conducting low-level operations for tactical missions at speeds as low as 110 knots.
Facilitating casualty and medical evacuations.
Engaging in special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties.
The C-295 is poised to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

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