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PM Modi in Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez will inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems Limited's C-295 aircraft facility, Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28. This is a historic moment for the Indian aerospace industry. This important program is a milestone for India's defense manufacturing sector. Besides, this program will also strengthen relations between India and Spain.
Notably, the foundation stone of the Tata Advanced Systems Facility was laid by Prime Minister Modi in October, 2022 and he is now inaugurating the facility in a period of 24 months.
In September 2021, India formalized the acquisition of 56 C-295 aircraft to replace the aging AVRO fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition.
The C-295 program is India's first private sector aerospace project under the 'Make in India' initiative. Tata Advanced Systems Facility will manufacture and assemble 40 C-295 transport aircraft equipped with indigenous electronic warfare suites for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The first of these made-in-India aircraft is expected to be ready by September 2026, while the last aircraft is expected to be delivered by August 2031.
A grand road show will also be organised.
The inauguration ceremony will be held at the New VIP Road area of Vadodara, where both the Prime Ministers will visit the assembly line and hangar where the aircraft will be manufactured. A grand road show has also been organized from Vadodara airport to the manufacturing facility ahead of the event, showcasing the local culture of Vadodara along with vibrant cultural performances from Gujarat. The roadshow will highlight the close ties between India and Spain, with local students and artists adding to the festive atmosphere.
The program will not only showcase the economic potential of the city, but also provide opportunities for local businesses to engage with Spanish companies and foster new partnerships, as Vadodara strengthens its position as a hub for aerospace and foreign investment. Through this programme, Vadodara will be established as a significant player in India's defense and aerospace landscape.
After the inauguration, both the leaders will visit the historic Lakshmi Vilas Palace, where they will participate in the bilateral meeting organized by the Ministry of External Affairs. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is likely to be signed between India and Spain, which will further deepen the strategic relations between the two countries. This will be followed by a celebration of the successful cooperation between the two countries and the program will conclude with lunch at the Palace.
A new chapter in India's aerospace sector
The C-295 aircraft to be manufactured in Vadodara is a 5-10 tonne multi-role military transport aircraft capable of carrying 71 soldiers or 49-50 paratroopers. The aircraft's strategic design and rear ramp doors allow rapid deployment of troops and cargo, making it very important for the Indian Air Force. This 'Make in India' initiative will open a new chapter in India's aerospace sector, as for the first time an aircraft will be manufactured entirely in the Indian private sector.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sanchez will usher in a new era of cooperation between India and Spain, promoting innovation, trade and investment in the aerospace sector. As Vadodara is going to be the epicenter of this unprecedented transformation, the city residents are eagerly waiting for this important event.