SOURCE: AFI
Airbus and Tata have collaborated to establish a comprehensive industrial ecosystem around the C295 aircraft programme, marking India’s first private-sector aircraft manufacturing venture. Under this groundbreaking project, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will begin receiving fully Indian-assembled C295 aircraft from 2026, while Airbus and Tata are already exploring export opportunities from India, aiming to make the country a significant player in the global aerospace industry.
The C295 programme marks a transformative shift in Indian defense manufacturing. As the first instance where Airbus has deployed an entire production line outside its home countries, the initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a Tata Group subsidiary. Through this partnership, 56 C295 aircraft will be delivered to the IAF, positioning India as the largest C295 operator worldwide.
The IAF’s new C295 fleet will replace the aging Avro transport aircraft, enhancing the Air Force’s capability to operate across India’s diverse and challenging terrains. The aircraft’s versatile configuration is well-suited for military transport and humanitarian missions, making it invaluable for operations across India’s vast geography.
The ecosystem created for the C295 programme is extensive, encompassing the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing of up to 13,000 intricate parts, and assembly at multiple locations across India. Parts manufacturing is concentrated at three main hubs in Nagpur, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, while the Main Component Assembly (MCA) takes place in Hyderabad. These assembled components are then transported to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, where the aircraft undergoes final assembly, integration, and testing.
This setup positions India as a new global centre for aircraft production, establishing a supply chain that could potentially support future orders from Airbus and global customers. The Indian C295 programme is not only expected to fulfill domestic requirements but also positions India as a competitive hub for aerospace exports.
Airbus’s commitment to channel some of its future orders for the C295 through its Indian facilities underscores the long-term strategic benefits of the programme. With India now home to a complete production ecosystem for the C295, the country is positioned to attract further aerospace investments and contribute to the global supply chain. This project strengthens Airbus’s footprint in India and reinforces Tata’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing.