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India is set to achieve a major milestone in its defence manufacturing journey with the delivery of the first Made-in-India Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September 2026. The aircraft has been developed at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The C-295 programme is part of a broader collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, under which 56 aircraft are being delivered to the IAF. While the initial aircraft were supplied from Airbus’ facility in Spain, the remaining units are being manufactured and assembled in India, supporting the country’s “Make in India” vision for defence production.
The project is expected to create a strong aerospace ecosystem in India by involving local suppliers, component manufacturers, engineering firms, and technology partners. Beyond enhancing the IAF’s tactical airlift capabilities, the programme represents a shift toward greater self-reliance in advanced defence manufacturing and positions India as an emerging hub for aerospace production.