Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is set to arrive in Vadodara on Monday for an official meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will engage in discussions to strengthen bilateral ties and inaugurate the Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility for the C295 medium-lift tactical transport aircraft. This plant, aimed at supplying the Indian Air Force (IAF), marks India’s first private military transport aircraft manufacturing project, a collaboration between Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space.
India’s First Private Military Aircraft Production
The Vadodara FAL plant is a landmark project under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. This private-sector aerospace programme will see India acquiring 56 C295 aircraft, replacing the IAF’s legacy Avro fleet. Airbus will initially deliver 16 aircraft in fly-away condition from its Seville facility, with the remaining 40 to be manufactured by TASL in Vadodara.
Strategic Aircraft with Versatile Capabilities
The C295 aircraft is highly valued for its ability to operate on short and unprepared airstrips. With a capacity to transport up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, it can conduct logistic missions in remote areas. The aircraft also serves multiple roles, including paratrooper airdrops, medical evacuations, and disaster relief. During the COVID-19 crisis, its use in medevac missions showcased its flexibility, equipped with ICUs and life support systems.
Defence Partnership and Production Milestones
The Ministry of Defence signed a $2.5 billion contract with Airbus for these 56 aircraft. The first of 16 units was delivered in September 2023, and the Vadodara facility is expected to begin production of the first India-made C295 aircraft by 2026, with all deliveries completed by 2031. Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and private MSMEs will contribute components to the programme, expanding India's aerospace production ecosystem.
Strengthening India-Spain Relations
España e India avanzamos impulsando la colaboración industrial y tecnológica.
La planta de @Airbus y @tataadvanced será un símbolo de excelencia industrial, un motor de crecimiento y un testimonio de la estrecha y creciente amistad entre nuestros países. pic.twitter.com/ydJW95Ti3E— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) October 28, 2024
Prime Minister Sanchez’s visit to India marks a renewal in diplomatic exchanges, following Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. Sanchez will also visit Mumbai to engage with industry leaders and participate in the 4th Spain India Forum, aimed at fostering collaboration across industries. Additionally, he is expected to explore cooperation opportunities in the film sector with Bollywood celebrities.
The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during Sanchez’s visit, enhancing bilateral cooperation in sectors like trade, IT, defence, and renewable energy, underlining the growing partnership between India and Spain.
With inputs from agencies
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