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PM Modi Celebrates New Aircraft Facility as “Watershed Moment” for India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the inauguration of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara as a transformative milestone for India’s defence and aerospace sectors.
In a LinkedIn post, Modi described the speed of establishing the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)-Airbus facility as a remarkable achievement, with the operational setup completed in just two years.
The Vadodara facility, inaugurated by PM Modi alongside Spanish President Pedro Sanchez on Monday, marks the first private sector assembly line for military aircraft in India. The plant will produce the C-295 military aircraft, bolstering India’s defence capabilities and reducing import dependence. Modi noted the rapid advancement as emblematic of a “new work culture” within India’s growing aerospace industry.
Highlighting recent achievements in India’s defence sector, the prime minister cited impressive figures: in 2022-23, defence production surged to ₹1.27 lakh crore, and defence exports increased from ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹21,000 crore in 2024. He also mentioned that over 12,300 items have been indigenized within three years, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings invested ₹7,500 crore in domestic vendors.
Modi emphasized India’s evolving defence ecosystem, which now includes indigenous warships, made-in-India missiles, and locally produced bulletproof jackets for soldiers. These advancements are part of the nation’s ongoing effort to achieve Aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance, in defence manufacturing.
Inviting Youth to Drive Innovation in Defence
Calling on young innovators, startups, and manufacturers to seize opportunities in defence, PM Modi urged them to contribute their expertise to help position India as a global leader in defence equipment production. He lauded the contributions of “Yuva Shakti” (youth power) and credited reduced import dependency, job creation, and skill development across the sector to this collective effort.
With India’s defence sector growing rapidly, Modi expressed confidence in its ability to lead on the global stage, encouraging stakeholders to join in building a self-reliant Bharat. The prime minister’s invitation underscores India’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse in defence innovation and manufacturing.
