Newsroom24x7 Network

New Delhi: Indian Air Force has finally secured the delivery of its first C-295 aircraft, two years after the India signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space to acquire 56 of these transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus DS) and Tata Advanced Systems have entered a collaboration for manufacturing and assembly of the C-295 medium–lift tactical transport airport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under the agreement Tata Advanced Systems has been selected as the Indian Production Agency (IPA) by Airbus DS. Tata Advanced Systems will produce 40 fly-away C-295 aircraft from its facilities and will subsequently provide MRO support and service for the total 56 aircraft that will be procured by IAF.

This will be the first military aircraft to be made in India by a private sector company. The C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility is in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Earlier this year, Airbus Helicopters announced that it was partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country. The FAL will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries.

The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, providing a major boost to the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme. Under this partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will set up the facility along with Airbus Helicopters.

The announcement was made during the two-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Undisputed in its class, the H125 produced in India will catalyse the use of helicopters in the country. This multi-mission workhorse will revolutionise passenger and goods transportation and will also be used for segments such as emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism and aerial work missions. Providing last mile connectivity to remote areas, the H125 will significantly contribute to the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) that will further promote the tourism sector in the country.