Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez officially inaugurated the Tata-Airbus C295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Monday. The Spanish PM, who is on a three-day visit to India, arrived in Vadodara earlier today to participate in the ceremony.
This state-of-the-art facility, established in collaboration with Airbus Spain, is part of Tata Advanced Systems’ ambitious defense initiative. The C-295 program entails the production of a total of 56 aircraft, with 16 units being delivered directly by Airbus from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured locally in India.
In February, the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved an initial draft for the project, which included plans for an additional 15 C-295 aircraft—nine for the Navy and six for the Coast Guard.

Significance for India’s Defence Sector
The inauguration of this manufacturing facility is a pivotal moment for India’s defense capabilities. It is expected to create a comprehensive ecosystem that covers all aspects of the aircraft lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance. This integrated approach will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to self-reliance in defense production.
The C-295 aircraft is set to replace the aging HS-748 Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force, marking a significant advancement in India’s military aviation capabilities. This initiative represents a groundbreaking moment in India’s defense sector, as it is the first time the private sector will be involved in the manufacturing of military aircraft, challenging the long-standing dominance of public sector entities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
In addition to Tata, major defense public sector undertakings such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., along with private micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), will contribute to developing a robust ecosystem for military aircraft production in India. This collaboration aligns with the government’s goal to establish India as a global defense manufacturing hub, enhancing indigenous production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.
Following the inauguration ceremony in Vadodara, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace before heading to Amreli, where he will inaugurate the Bharat Mata Sarovar at 2:45 PM. The Prime Minister will also lay the groundwork for development projects valued at over ₹4,800 crore in the district, further illustrating the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth in the region.
This facility not only symbolizes a step forward in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities but also highlights the strengthening of India-Spain relations in defense and technology sectors, paving the way for further collaborations in the future.