New Delhi, June 11. The first C-295 military transport aircraft manufactured in India successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a major milestone for the country’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector.
Announcing the achievement on June 10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) congratulated the teams involved in the programme and said the successful flight demonstrated India’s expanding capabilities in aerospace production.
“The achievement reinforces India’s growing aerospace capabilities and underscores the Indian Air Force’s commitment to fostering indigenous defence capability under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the IAF said in a statement.
India is acquiring 56 C-295 medium transport aircraft under a ₹21,935-crore programme. While the initial batch is being supplied in flyaway condition, 40 aircraft are being manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with Airbus at a dedicated production facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The successful maiden flight of the first locally produced aircraft represents a significant step in the programme and highlights the increasing role of the private sector in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The C-295 is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro fleet and will enhance the service’s tactical airlift capabilities. The aircraft is capable of carrying troops, cargo and undertaking a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The programme is also expected to strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem and support the government’s broader push for self-reliance in defence production under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative.
