In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, the TATA Group‘s Hyderabad-based facility, in partnership with Airbus, has commenced the production of the C-295 transport aircraft. This initiative marks a crucial step in replacing the aging Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with modernized aircraft.
The collaboration between TATA and Airbus signifies a strategic effort to enhance India’s military capabilities and bolster its indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities. With the initial set of six pilots having completed their training in Spain, the focus has shifted to training the first batch of aircraft engineers from the IAF to maintain the C-295 fleet.
Underlining the commitment to operational readiness, the IAF has entered into a five-year Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) agreement with Airbus, ensuring that 85 percent of the fleet remains operationally available at all times. This contractual obligation reflects a concerted effort to maintain peak operational efficiency and readiness.
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TATA-Airbus Collaboration For IAF’s C-295 Wing
The procurement of 56 C-295 aircraft by the IAF, each capable of carrying cargo up to 9 tonnes, underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration. Furthermore, discussions are underway with the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and other security agencies for the potential acquisition of additional aircraft, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of the C-295 platform.
The commencement of manufacturing activities in India marks a significant milestone in aerospace manufacturing, with TATA poised to become the first Indian private company to manufacture an aircraft. With plans for indigenous production and assembly, including establishing assembly lines in Hyderabad and Vadodara, this initiative is poised to revolutionize India’s aerospace sector.
The collaboration between TATA and Airbus extends beyond manufacturing, focusing on technology transfer and indigenization. With nearly 90 percent of technology transfer and indigenization of 14,000 aircraft parts underway, this partnership exemplifies a robust commitment to building domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Additionally, Airbus is setting up training centers and warehouses in India, further strengthening the ecosystem for C-295 operations. Discussions are underway to establish a maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, cementing India’s position as a regional hub for C-295 operations.
