SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defence aviation capabilities, the first C-295 military aircraft to be entirely manufactured in India under the “Make in India” initiative is expected to be delivered by September 2026, with the final one slated for delivery in August 2031.
With the indigenous manufacturing process at its core, the C-295 program will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also pave the way for technological advancements in India’s aerospace industry. The project will contribute to a long-term industrial partnership, involving the creation of an aircraft manufacturing facility in Gujarat, which will be developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Airbus’s Indian partner for this project.
Made in India C-295 will incorporate a 75% Indigenous localisation, a critical aspect of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This high level of local content is expected to boost India’s industrial base, provide job opportunities, and facilitate the development of a strong indigenous supply chain in the aerospace sector.
The project will not only involve the assembly of the aircraft in India but will also see the manufacturing of key components such as avionics, landing gear, and other critical systems within the country. This will build capabilities within Indian aerospace companies and suppliers, helping them gain experience in the high-technology field of military aircraft manufacturing.
The deal underscores India’s long-term vision for a self-sufficient defense sector. The C-295 program will act as a stepping stone for India to expand its capabilities in designing and manufacturing larger and more advanced defense aircraft in the future. By transitioning from importing military transport aircraft to building them locally, India is setting the stage for a broader indigenization effort in the aerospace sector.