The facility will produce 40 of the 56 C295 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to replace its ageing AVRO fleet, with the remaining 16 units to be delivered directly from Airbus’s Seville, Spain, assembly line. Six aircraft have already been delivered to the IAF. This Vadodara assembly line is expected to integrate component manufacturing and assembly, including detail parts, major assemblies, tooling, and sub-assemblies, solidifying India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain.
Highlighting Tata Group’s commitment, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, described the facility as a groundbreaking step in India’s defence manufacturing. He noted that the facility would bolster advanced manufacturing capabilities, paving the way for India’s first private-sector defence aircraft produced from the ground up.
Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, echoed this sentiment, calling the C295 programme a testament to Airbus’s support of India’s vision for indigenous defence manufacturing. He added that the facility aligns with the broader objective to develop a robust aerospace ecosystem in India, enabling local supply chains to support component manufacturing, aircraft assembly, and advanced services.
This Vadodara facility will eventually handle over 85% of the assembly for the C295, with 13,000 parts manufactured locally. With partnerships from 37 Indian suppliers across the private and public sectors, Airbus has certified 21 special manufacturing processes to ensure production quality. The first C295 built entirely in India is set to roll out in September 2026, with deliveries scheduled through 2031.
Airbus has established a significant presence in India’s aerospace landscape, investing over $1 billion annually across manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering, generating around 15,000 jobs in India’s aerospace industry. Its facilities in Bengaluru contribute to Airbus’s global programmes, reflecting India’s strategic role in Airbus’s long-term growth.
Source: Airbus.
