Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the Tata aircraft complex for the manufacturing of C295 aircraft at the Tata advanced systems limited campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on 28 October 2024. Addressing the people present on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that this is the first Indian visit of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and cooperation between the two countries is gaining new direction.
Referring to the Tata Aircraft complex for the manufacturing of C295 aircraft, the Prime Minister said that this will not only strengthen the relations between the two countries but will also give importance to the Make in India & Make for the World mission. The defence ministry made a contract with Airbus within which Airbus will supply 56 aircraft to india. For Airways and space defence, a contract worth Rs 21,935 crore was signed with spain, out of which 16 being delivered directly by Airbus from Spain, and the remaining 40 assembled locally at the Tata facility. C-295 is a great transportation aircraft with its top cruise speed of 482 kmph and the ability to carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 soldiers or 48 paratroopers, the C-295 significantly enhances the IAF’s operational readiness and flexibility.
Tata has started metal cutting for 40 C-295 aircraft in Hyderabad since November last year. Hyderabad is currently the assembly point for the parts of aircraft. Tata’s Hyderabad facility will fabricate the main parts of the aircraft. After that all parts will be sent to Vadodara. At Vadodara complete aircraft get assembled and will be handed over to the Indian air force.
This aircraft is very important for the Indian Air Force. It will help a lot in carrying weapons, fuel and hardware from one place to another. It is a light weight transportation aircraft which can travel a maximum speed of 482 km/hr. It has a capacity of 7650 litre fuel in one go. Its range is 1277 to 4587 kilometers and its speed depends on the current weight. It can reach maximum height of 13,533 feet.
Tata aircraft complex is the country’s first private final assembly line which will make military aircraft.