October 28, 2024: In a significant boost to India's aerospace sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft in Gujarat's Vadodara today. This facility marks a pivotal moment in India's defense manufacturing landscape, being the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in the country.

Under the C-295 program, India will receive a total of 56 aircraft, with 16 being delivered directly from Airbus in Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured locally at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus. PM Modi emphasized the project's comprehensive scope, stating it would develop a full ecosystem for the aircraft's manufacture, assembly, testing, and lifecycle maintenance.

The inauguration ceremony was preceded by a 2.5-kilometer roadshow, showcasing the leaders' commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing India's defense capabilities. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, acknowledged the project's roots, recalling that it was originally conceived by the late Ratan Tata in 2012. "I remember him for his visionary leadership in this path-breaking initiative," he said, honoring Tata, who passed away earlier this month.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the significance of the event, calling it a "very special day" for the Indian aerospace industry. He noted that the C-295 project represents a major achievement for private industry in India, providing a substantial boost to the nation's growing aerospace ecosystem.

The foundation stone for the FAL plant was laid by PM Modi in October 2022, following a ₹ 21,935-crore contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defense and Space SA in 2021. This collaboration underscores India's strategic push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and innovation.