First ‘Made in India’ C-295 Aircraft to Roll Out Before September 2026

India is set to achieve a major milestone in defence manufacturing, with the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 transport aircraft expected to roll out before September 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on January 22, 2026.

The announcement was made during Jaishankar’s meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in New Delhi and highlights the growing defence and strategic partnership between India and Spain.

What is the C-295 Aircraft?

The Airbus C-295 is a medium-range, twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft. It is designed for multiple military roles, including:

• Troop transport
• Cargo and logistics support
• Medical evacuation
• Disaster relief operations
• Maritime patrol and surveillance

Originally developed by CASA of Spain, the aircraft is now manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, a European multinational aerospace company.

What is the Airbus–Tata C-295 Project?

In 2021, India signed a ₹21,935 crore defence deal with Airbus Defence and Space for the procurement of 56 C-295 aircraft to replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

Under the agreement:

• 16 aircraft were to be delivered in fly-away condition from Seville, Spain
• The remaining 40 aircraft are to be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)

To support this, an Airbus–Tata Final Assembly Line (FAL) was set up in Vadodara, Gujarat, and jointly inaugurated in October 2024.

Why Is This Rollout Significant?

The rollout of the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft marks:

• India’s first private-sector aircraft manufacturing project for the Indian Air Force
• A major boost to the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
• Strengthening of India’s defence industrial base
• Deepening India–Spain defence collaboration

Jaishankar said the development reflects India’s commitment to building resilient domestic manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector.

India–Spain Relations: Broader Context

India and Spain share warm and friendly relations, rooted in:

• Shared democratic values
• Respect for multilateralism
• Support for a rule-based international order

Political engagement between the two countries has increased through regular high-level exchanges.

Spain is also an important trade partner for India within the European Union, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 8 billion in recent years.

Upcoming Milestones in India–Spain Relations

In 2026, India and Spain will celebrate:

• 70 years of diplomatic relations
• The India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence

This initiative aims to combine cultural cooperation with future-oriented collaboration in technology and innovation.