By Staff Correspondent
The inauguration of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the Airbus C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marks a significant milestone in India’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defence industry. This collaborative effort between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus signifies a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of self-reliance, as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, this facility represents the first instance of a private sector entity establishing an aircraft assembly line in India.
The FAL will be instrumental in delivering 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), thereby replacing the ageing AVRO fleet. Of these, 40 units will be manufactured and assembled locally, while 16 will be delivered in ‘fly-away’ condition from Airbus’ facility in Seville, Spain. With six aircraft already handed over, the initiative underscores the growing capabilities of India’s defence manufacturing landscape.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, articulated the significance of the FAL, highlighting its potential to enhance the nation’s defence and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Similarly, Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the alignment of the project with India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ vision. This FAL will catalyze the development of an extensive aerospace ecosystem in India, paving the way for advanced design, component manufacturing, and assembly services.
The C295 programme is expected to yield critical advancements in local manufacturing, with over 85% of the structural and final assembly for 40 aircraft completed in India. Additionally, the initiative encompasses the production of 13,000 detailed parts, involving a robust network of both public and private sector suppliers. This not only enhances domestic capabilities but also fosters job creation, with Airbus investing more than $1 billion annually in Indian operations.
The anticipated rollout of the first ‘Make in India’ C295 in September 2026 will be a landmark event for the Indian aerospace sector. As India emerges as the largest customer for the C295, this initiative is set to reinvigorate the country’s defence industry while promoting technological self-sufficiency. In conclusion, the establishment of the FAL for the C295 aircraft serves as a beacon of India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous manufacturing capabilities, illustrating a transformative step towards a self-reliant defence infrastructure.
In recent years, India has emerged as a strategic resource hub for Airbus, a leading global aircraft manufacturer. The company’s commitment to expanding its industrial footprint in India encompasses a wide range of activities, including aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support, as well as pilot and maintenance training. Notably, Airbus invests over $1 billion annually in creating a robust supply chain in India, a venture projected to generate more than 15,000 jobs. Furthermore, Airbus India’s engineering and digital centres located in Bengaluru play a vital role in contributing to Airbus’s commercial and helicopter programmes worldwide.
On the other hand, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, stands as a prominent entity in the aerospace and defence sector in India. TASL offers comprehensive solutions across various domains, including aerostructures and aero-engines, airborne platforms and systems, and defence and security. The company boasts an impressive portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, positioning it as an integral partner in the international supply chain. In certain instances, TASL serves as a global single-source provider for premier original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industry.
Tata Advanced Systems is equipped with the necessary capabilities and resources to deliver innovative solutions across the entire aerospace and defence value chain, from initial design to full platform assembly. Its strategic presence extends to critical areas, including satellites, missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, artillery guns, command and control systems, optronics, homeland security, and land systems, in addition to aircraft and helicopters.
The collaboration between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems highlights the increasing significance of India within the global aerospace and defence landscape. The strategic initiatives undertaken by both entities not only foster industrial growth but also bolster human capital development in the region, reinforcing India’s position as a pivotal hub for aerospace manufacturing and innovation.
