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Source — Source: IE ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-01-31 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///Source — Source: IE ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-01-31 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///

Source: IE · GS Paper 2

Made in India C-295 Aircraft

The first 'Made in India' C-295 tactical transport aircraft is slated to roll out by September 2026 from the Airbus‑Tata final assembly line in Vadodara, marking a key step in defence indigenisation. The deal underscores deepening India‑Spain strategic ties and bolsters the IAF’s capability by replacing ageing Avro‑748 aircraft.

2026-01-31

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Source: IE

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Key Facts and Data Points

Roll‑out target: Before September 2026 from the Airbus‑Tata Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Deal value: Rs 21,935 crore (2021 agreement with Airbus Defence and Space).
Total aircraft: 56 C‑295 tactical transport aircraft.
Fly‑away from Spain: 16 aircraft.
Manufactured in India: 40 aircraft by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL).
Aircraft role: Twin‑engine turboprop for medium‑range tactical transport, enhancing IAF logistics and disaster‑relief capability.
Replacement: Will replace the ageing British‑origin Avro‑748 transport fleet.
India‑Spain strategic partnership: Elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2026; Spain joined the India‑backed Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Bilateral trade (2024): USD 9.32 billion; Spain is India’s 6th largest EU trade partner and 16th largest investor with USD 4.29 billion cumulative FDI.

Background and Context

The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, aims to boost domestic manufacturing across sectors, including defence.
The Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020 encourages indigenous production and joint ventures with foreign OEMs.
Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems formed a joint venture to set up the FAL, reflecting ‘Buy Indian, Make Indian’ policy.
India‑Spain relations have progressed from diplomatic ties (70 years in 2026) to deeper economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Defence self‑reliance: Indigenous production of 40 aircraft reduces dependence on imports, aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
Skill development & employment: The FAL creates high‑skill jobs and technology transfer in aerospace manufacturing.
Strategic autonomy: Enhances IAF’s operational readiness for rapid deployment in the Indo‑Pacific region.
Bilateral cooperation: Strengthens strategic partnership with Spain, a key EU member, and supports India's outreach in the Indo‑Pacific through the IPOI.
Economic impact: Large capital outlay stimulates the domestic supply chain and contributes to the aerospace sector’s contribution to GDP.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 370 (now abrogated) and Article 356 are not directly relevant; however, defence procurement falls under Article 53 (executive power) and Article 73 (financial powers) of the Constitution.
Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020 and Make in India policy provide the legal‑administrative framework for such joint ventures.

References

Perspective: Strengthening India‑Spain Relations (link provided in article).