First Private Sector ‘Make in India’ Deal
India has formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force (IAF) legacy AVRO fleet. It is the first ‘Make in India’ aerospace programme in the private sector, involving the development of a complete industrial ecosystem, from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and through-life maintenance.
Airbus is to deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from Seville, over a four-year period, while the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India, as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies. All the IAF aircraft will be delivered in transport configuration and will be equipped with an indigenous EW suite.
“This contract will support the further development of India’s aerospace ecosystem, bringing investment and 15,000 skilled direct jobs and 10,000 indirect positions over the coming 10 years,” stated Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “The C295 has proven again as the segment leader, and with the addition of India as a new operator, the type will enlarge its footprint even more, not only on the operational aspects but on its own industrial and technological development.”
“This is a moment of pride for Tatas and a milestone for the Indian military manufacturing ecosystem. For the first time, an Indian private company will be wholly manufacturing an aircraft in India. This endeavour demonstrates Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities as a defence manufacturer to build globally competitive complex platforms in India,” added Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
‘Make in India’ lies at the heart of Airbus’ strategy in India, with the company constantly increasing the country’s contribution to its global product portfolio. The C295 programme will see Airbus bring its entire range of world-class aircraft manufacturing and servicing capabilities to India, in collaboration with its industrial partners, including the Tatas and leading defence public sector units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, as well as small and medium-sized private enterprises.
