The first Made-in-India Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft has successfully completed its maiden test flight from the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence aviation sector and the country’s drive towards self-reliance in military manufacturing.
The successful flight represents a critical step in the certification and delivery process, paving the way for the induction of the first India-manufactured C-295 into the Indian Air Force (IAF) later this year. The programme is a flagship initiative under the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns, aimed at strengthening domestic defence production capabilities.
Under a ₹21,935-crore contract signed in September 2021 between Airbus Defence and Space and the Government of India, the IAF is acquiring 56 C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft to replace its aging HS-748 Avro fleet. As per the agreement, 16 aircraft are being delivered in fly-away condition from Spain, while the remaining 40 aircraft are being manufactured and assembled in India through a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
The Vadodara facility, established by Airbus and TASL, is India’s first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing plant. The programme has also created an extensive domestic aerospace ecosystem, with numerous Indian MSMEs and suppliers contributing components, structures, systems integration, and support services.
Designed for tactical airlift operations, the C-295 is a versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying approximately 70 troops, 48 paratroopers, or 24 stretchers for medical evacuation missions. It can transport payloads of up to 9,250 kilograms and is equipped with Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operations from semi-prepared airstrips, remote forward bases, and challenging terrain, including mountainous regions.
Beyond troop and cargo transport, the aircraft can be employed for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, logistics support, surveillance, and special operations missions. Its induction is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s tactical airlift capability while reducing dependence on aging transport platforms.
The successful maiden flight of the first India-manufactured C-295 not only advances the modernization of the IAF’s transport fleet but also demonstrates the growing maturity of India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The programme is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations between global defence manufacturers and Indian industry, further strengthening the country’s position as an emerging hub for aerospace and defence production.
The Indian Air Force has congratulated all stakeholders involved in the successful maiden flight of the first India-manufactured C-295 transport aircraft. The milestone highlights the nation’s advancing aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities and reflects the Indian Air Force’s continued commitment to promoting indigenous defence production in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
