The C-295, a versatile military transport aircraft, is noted for its capacity to operate in diverse conditions, facilitating troop transport, medical evacuation, and disaster response. Originally contracted by the Indian Ministry of Defence in 2021, the agreement entails Tata Advanced Systems producing 40 of the 56 aircraft ordered for the Indian Air Force, with Airbus handling initial deliveries. The C-295 can operate on short and unprepared airstrips and is designed to replace the outdated Avro fleet, thus addressing critical needs in India’s defense logistics.
The Vadodara facility will manufacture key components, including 13,400 parts and 4,600 sub-assemblies, employing over 42.5 million man-hours to complete the project. The majority of production—96% of labor, according to Tata—will be performed domestically, a testament to India’s growing industrial capability. This project aligns with the government’s goal to increase defense manufacturing to $25 billion and exports to over $5 billion by 2025, a target emphasized by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during the event.