Gandhinagar : In a historic moment for India’s aerospace industry, the Prime Minister of India,  Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, will jointly inaugurate the Final Assembly Line (FAL) of the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd C-295 aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 28. This landmark event, taking place at the state-of-the-art facility, marks a major milestone for India’s defence manufacturing sector and strengthens the growing relationship between India and Spain.

The ground breaking ceremony of the Tata Advanced Systems facility by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was done in October 2022 and now within 24 months he is inaugurating the facility.

In September 2021, India formalised the acquisition of 56 C295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force (IAF) legacy AVRO fleet. Under the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition.
The C-295 program is the first aerospace project in the Indian private sector under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Tata Advanced Systems facility will manufacture and assemble 40 C-295 transport aircraft, equipped with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suites, for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The first of these Made-in-India aircraft is expected to roll out by September 2026, with the final aircraft set for delivery by August 2031.

During the inauguration ceremony at the New VIP Road area of Vadodara, both Prime Ministers will tour the assembly line and the hanger where the aircraft will be manufactured. A grand roadshow from Vadodara Airport to the facility will precede the event, showcasing vibrant cultural performances and the local spirit of Vadodara. The event is poised to highlight the deep ties between India and Spain, with local students and performers adding to the festive atmosphere along the route.

In a display of Vadodara’s growing significance as a hub for aerospace and foreign investment, the inauguration will not only highlight the economic potential of the region but will also provide an opportunity for local businesses to engage with Spanish companies, fostering new partnerships. The event positions Vadodara as a vital player in India’s defense and aerospace landscape.

Following the inauguration, both leaders will proceed to the historic Lakshmi Vilas Palace, where they will hold a bilateral meeting organized by the Ministry of External Affairs. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed, further deepening the strategic ties between India and Spain. The event will conclude with a luncheon at the palace, celebrating the successful collaboration between the two nations.

The C-295 aircraft, which will be manufactured in Vadodara, is a versatile military transport aircraft with a capacity of 5-10 tonnes, capable of carrying up to 71 troops or 49 to 50 paratroopers. Its tactical design and rear ramp door allow for rapid troop and cargo deployment, making it a crucial asset for the Indian Air Force. This ‘Make in India’ initiative represents a new chapter in India’s aerospace sector, as it marks the first time an aircraft will be manufactured entirely within the Indian private sector.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sánchez’s visit will cement a new era of collaboration between India and Spain, promoting innovation, trade, and investment in the aerospace sector. Vadodara is poised to be at the center of this transformation, with the people of the city eagerly awaiting this prestigious occasion.