India achieved a historic milestone in its aerospace and defence manufacturing sector as the first “Made in India” C295 military transport aircraft rolled out from the Vadodara facility of Tata Advanced Systems Limited in Gujarat. The development marks the first time a private Indian company has successfully manufactured a complete military aircraft within the country. The rollout is being seen as a major boost for India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives, strengthening the nation’s position among a select group of countries capable of producing advanced military transport aircraft domestically.
The project is being executed in partnership with European aerospace giant Airbus for the Indian Air Force. The C295 is a modern tactical military transport aircraft designed for multiple operational roles. It can carry more than 9,000 kilograms of payload or transport up to 71 soldiers in a single mission. The aircraft is expected to significantly enhance India’s military logistics capabilities by enabling rapid deployment of troops, equipment and supplies across challenging terrains.
One of its biggest advantages is its ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips, making it ideal for mountainous regions, border areas and remote locations where conventional large aircraft face operational difficulties. The India-built C295 aircraft is also equipped with an advanced Electronic Warfare Suite developed by Indian public sector defence companies Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited. The integration of indigenous systems reflects India’s growing capability to develop and incorporate advanced defence technologies into modern military platforms. The new C295 aircraft will replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro HS-748 fleet, which has been in service for decades.
