TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara gets inaugurated, strengthening India-Spain ties in Aerospace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex today, dedicated to the manufacturing of C-295 aircraft, at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility marks a significant step forward in India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

During the inauguration, both leaders toured an exhibition highlighting the facility’s capabilities. Prime Minister Modi noted that this was Sanchez’s first visit to India and emphasized that the partnership between the two nations is evolving in new and promising directions. He stated that the TATA Aircraft Complex would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also advance the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative.

Modi expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Airbus and TATA, while also honoring the legacy of the late Ratan Tata. He highlighted that the C-295 factory exemplifies the new work culture of a “New India,” showcasing the country’s ability to swiftly move from ideas to execution. Reflecting on the foundation stone laying in October 2022, he noted that the facility is now fully prepared for production.

The Prime Minister spoke about the need to eliminate delays in project planning and execution, recalling his own experience as Chief Minister of Gujarat in establishing a Bombardier train coach manufacturing facility, which was completed in record time. He expressed confidence that the C-295 aircraft produced here would also find international markets.

Quoting Spanish poet Antonio Machado, Modi remarked that as one pursues their goals, the path becomes clearer. He noted that India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem has reached new heights, crediting strategic decisions made over the past decade for this transformation. He outlined the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant defense industry through enhanced private sector participation, restructuring public sector units, and empowering organizations like DRDO and HAL.

Modi also highlighted the iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) scheme, which has spurred the growth of approximately 1,000 defense startups in recent years. He shared that India’s defense exports have surged thirtyfold in the last decade, with the country now supplying equipment to over 100 nations.

Emphasizing the importance of skill development and job creation, he mentioned that projects like the Airbus-TATA factory will generate thousands of jobs. The facility will support the domestic production of 18,000 aircraft parts, offering substantial opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across India.

Looking beyond military transport aircraft, Modi discussed the remarkable growth of India’s aviation sector over the last decade. He noted that the nation is now enhancing air connectivity to hundreds of smaller cities and is working towards becoming a global aviation hub. With Indian airlines ordering 1,200 new aircraft, he asserted that the newly inaugurated factory will play a crucial role in both designing and manufacturing civil aircraft to meet future demands.

Modi praised Vadodara as a significant center for MSMEs and acknowledged its potential as a major hub for aviation manufacturing. He congratulated the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for their progressive industrial policies.

The Prime Minister also celebrated the cultural connections between India and Spain, recalling the contributions of Father Carlos Valle, a Spanish missionary who enriched Indian culture during his time in Gujarat. Modi noted the popularity of yoga in Spain and the shared enthusiasm for football, referencing the recent match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Concluding his address, Modi expressed optimism that this event would inspire further collaborative projects between India and Spain. He invited Spanish industries and innovators to partner with India on its developmental journey.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were among the attendees on the occasion.

Under the C-295 program, a total of 56 aircraft are to be delivered, with 16 being supplied directly from Airbus in Spain and 40 to be manufactured in India by TATA Advanced Systems Ltd. This facility is notable as the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India, encompassing the entire lifecycle from manufacturing to maintenance. Leading defense public sector units and private MSMEs will contribute to the program, which was initiated with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Modi in October 2022.