First ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft completes maiden test flight from Vadodara

Why in News?

India on 10 June successfully conducted the maiden test flight of the first “Made in India” Airbus C295 military transport aircraft from the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat. The achievement marks a major milestone for India’s defence aviation sector and the Make in India initiative.

Key Highlights

• The aircraft is the first of 40 C295 transport aircraft to be manufactured in India for the Indian Air Force.
• It is being produced under a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
• This is the first instance of a military aircraft being manufactured in India by the private sector.
• The successful test flight demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in aerospace manufacturing and defence indigenisation.
• The Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Vadodara was inaugurated in October 2024 by Narendra Modi and Pedro Sánchez.

About the C295 Aircraft 

• The Airbus C295 is a medium tactical military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space.
• It is designed for a wide range of military and humanitarian missions.
• The aircraft has been adopted by numerous air forces worldwide due to its versatility, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Key Features

• Twin-turboprop tactical transport aircraft.
• Capable of operating from short and unprepared airstrips.
• Suitable for operations in challenging terrains, including mountainous and remote regions.
• Equipped for day-and-night operations under diverse weather conditions.

C295 Programme in India

• India signed a contract in 2021 to acquire 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
• Of these:
  • 16 aircraft are being delivered in fly-away condition from Spain.
  • 40 aircraft are being manufactured and assembled in India at Vadodara.
• The programme involves extensive transfer of technology, skill development, and integration of Indian suppliers into the global aerospace supply chain.