India to Roll Out First Domestically Built C-295 Military Aircraft by September 2026

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India’s First Indigenous C-295 Military Aircraft to Roll Out by September 2026


India is set to achieve a landmark milestone in its defence manufacturing journey with the rollout of its first domestically built C-295 military transport aircraft by September 2026. The announcement was confirmed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during bilateral discussions with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, underscoring the growing depth of defence and industrial cooperation between India and Spain.

The development marks a significant step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, while also strengthening New Delhi’s strategic partnerships with key European nations.

Vadodara Facility: A Historic First for India’s Private Sector

Airbus-Tata C-295 military transport aircraft under assembly at Vadodara facility in India



The C-295 aircraft will roll out from the Airbus-Tata final assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility was jointly inaugurated in October 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, symbolising a new chapter in India’s aerospace capabilities.

Notably, this is the first time India’s private sector has established a full aircraft final assembly line within the country. The Vadodara plant represents a decisive shift from licensed production to indigenous manufacturing, positioning India as an emerging hub in the global aerospace supply chain.

Airbus–Tata Partnership and the C-295 Programme



The C-295 programme is being executed through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space. Under the contract, a total of 56 C-295 military transport aircraft are to be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Of these, 16 aircraft are being supplied directly from Airbus’s Seville facility in Spain, with six already inducted into the IAF fleet. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured domestically at the Vadodara facility, highlighting India’s increasing manufacturing depth and technical capability in complex defence platforms.

High Level of Indigenous Manufacturing

The Vadodara plant will undertake more than 85 per cent of the structural work and final assembly for the C-295 aircraft. In addition, around 13,000 detailed parts will be manufactured domestically, significantly reducing dependence on imports.

The programme has already onboarded 37 Indian suppliers from both public and private sectors. This has led to the creation of a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem spanning multiple cities, including Vadodara, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Bengaluru, thereby spreading industrial growth across regions.

Replacing the Ageing Avro Fleet

The C-295 aircraft is set to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 fleet, which has served the country for decades. Designed as a modern tactical airlift platform, the C-295 offers enhanced operational flexibility and reliability.

It can carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and is equipped with a rear ramp door for rapid deployment of personnel and cargo. The twin-engine turboprop aircraft also features short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operations from semi-prepared and austere airstrips, a crucial requirement for India’s diverse terrain and operational needs.

Economic Impact and Employment Generation

India has emerged as the largest global customer for the C-295, with the programme valued at approximately $3.5 billion. Beyond strengthening military capabilities, the initiative is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs, including direct, indirect and medium-skill employment opportunities.

The project is also fostering skill development, technology transfer and long-term capacity building within India’s defence and aerospace sectors, aligning with national goals of sustainable industrial growth.

Strengthening India–Spain Strategic Ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised that the September rollout reflects the growing maturity of India-Spain defence industrial collaboration. Spain remains one of India’s key trade partners within the European Union, with bilateral trade in goods exceeding $8 billion in recent years.

Spanish companies have also established a strong footprint in India across infrastructure, renewable energy and engineering sectors, further reinforcing economic and strategic engagement between the two countries.

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