Made In India C295 Completes Test Flight
India’s first locally assembled Airbus C295 military transport aircraft has completed its maiden test flight from the Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, marking a major milestone for the country’s defence aviation manufacturing programme.
Made In India C295 Completes Test Flight
The first “Made in India” Airbus C295 military transport aircraft successfully conducted its first test flight from the Tata-Airbus Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The aircraft is part of India’s C295 programme, which aims to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported military platforms. The successful flight marks an important step in the aircraft’s post-production testing process before delivery to the Indian Air Force.
Tata Airbus C295 Programme Advances
The C295 aircraft is being produced in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in partnership with Airbus. Under the programme, 56 C295 aircraft are to be delivered to the Indian Air Force.
Of these, 16 aircraft are being supplied from Spain in fly-away condition, while 40 are being manufactured and assembled in India. The Vadodara facility is central to the domestic production phase of the programme.
India Defence Manufacturing Gets Boost
The C295 will replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro transport aircraft fleet and support tactical airlift operations. The aircraft can be used for troop transport, cargo movement, medical evacuation and other military missions.
The maiden test flight is being seen as a significant boost to India’s “Make in India” and defence self-reliance efforts. It also highlights the growing role of private industry in India’s military aerospace sector.
