For more than six decades, the Indian Air Force’s dependable Avro aircraft quietly served the nation—transporting troops, supplies and equipment across some of the country’s most challenging terrains.
Now, a new chapter is about to begin.
In September 2026, the Indian Air Force will receive its first Made-in-India C295 transport aircraft, marking a historic milestone not just for the Air Force, but for India’s ambition to become a global aerospace manufacturing hub.
The aircraft, assembled at the Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara, is the first military transport aircraft to be manufactured in India by the private sector on such a scale.
For many defence experts, the delivery represents far more than a new aircraft—it symbolizes India’s transition from a buyer of military hardware to a builder of sophisticated aerospace platforms.
Why the C295 Matters
The C295 is a modern tactical transport aircraft designed to operate in demanding conditions.
Whether carrying soldiers to forward areas, delivering relief supplies after disasters or supporting military logistics, the aircraft is built for versatility.
Unlike larger transport aircraft that require long, developed runways, the C295 can operate from short and semi-prepared airstrips, making it ideal for remote regions and border areas.
C295 At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Tactical Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Defence and Space |
| Engines | Twin Turboprop |
| Role | Troop Transport, Cargo, Logistics, Medical Evacuation |
| Special Feature | Rear Cargo Ramp |
| Runway Requirement | Short & Semi-Prepared Airstrips |
| Operator | Indian Air Force |
The Journey from Importer to Manufacturer
The story of the C295 programme began in September 2021 when the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for 56 aircraft.
But the real significance lies in how these aircraft are being produced.
Instead of importing the entire fleet, India negotiated a manufacturing partnership that would bring aerospace production capabilities into the country.
How the 56 Aircraft Will Be Built
| Category | Number |
| Delivered from Spain | 16 |
| Manufactured in India | 40 |
| Total Aircraft | 56 |
The first 16 aircraft are being delivered in fly-away condition from Airbus’s facility in Seville, Spain.
The remaining 40 aircraft are being assembled and manufactured in India at Vadodara.
Inside India’s New Aerospace Factory
At Vadodara, Gujarat, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus have established a Final Assembly Line (FAL) that has become one of India’s most ambitious defence manufacturing projects.
In June 2026, the first India-manufactured C295 completed its maiden test flight—a crucial milestone proving that the production ecosystem is now operational.
Vadodara Facility Snapshot
| Particular | Details |
| Location | Vadodara, Gujarat |
| Partners | Tata Advanced Systems & Airbus |
| Purpose | Final Assembly Line (FAL) |
| First Test Flight | June 2026 |
| First Delivery | September 2026 |
| Final Delivery Target | August 2031 |
Farewell to the Avro
The arrival of the C295 will gradually bring an end to one of the Indian Air Force’s longest-serving aircraft fleets.
The Avro HS-748 entered service in the early 1960s and became a familiar workhorse for decades.
Manufactured in India under licence by HAL, the Avro served generations of air warriors.
Old vs New
| Parameter | Avro HS-748 | C295 |
| Era | 1960s | Modern Generation |
| Technology | Legacy Platform | Advanced Digital Systems |
| Operational Flexibility | Moderate | High |
| Cargo Handling | Conventional | Rear Cargo Ramp |
| Maintenance Efficiency | Aging Fleet | Modern Support System |
For the Air Force, the C295 means improved reliability, greater operational flexibility and lower lifecycle costs.
More Than a Military Aircraft
The C295 is not just a transport aircraft.
It can be used for:
Troop transport
Cargo operations
Medical evacuation
Disaster relief missions
Humanitarian assistance
Special operations support
Border logistics
Its ability to quickly move personnel and equipment makes it one of the most versatile aircraft in military service today.
The ‘Make in India’ Factor
The C295 programme is being showcased as one of the biggest success stories of India’s defence manufacturing push.
Officials expect indigenous content to rise significantly as production matures.
Indigenous Content Growth
| Production Stage | Local Content |
| Initial Aircraft | Around 48% |
| Future Aircraft | Up to 75% |
The increasing localisation means more Indian suppliers, more skilled jobs and a stronger domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Important Facts
| Question | Answer |
| First Made-in-India C295 Delivery | September 2026 |
| Manufacturing Location | Vadodara, Gujarat |
| Contract Signed | September 2021 |
| Total Aircraft Ordered | 56 |
| Aircraft Imported from Spain | 16 |
| Aircraft Made in India | 40 |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Defence & Space |
| Indian Partner | Tata Advanced Systems |
| Replacing Which Aircraft? | Avro HS-748 |
Why September 2026 Is Historic
When the first Made-in-India C295 rolls out for the Indian Air Force this September, it will represent much more than a new transport aircraft.
It will symbolize a changing India—one that is increasingly designing, assembling and manufacturing sophisticated defence platforms at home.
For decades, India bought military aircraft from abroad.
With the C295, India is beginning to build them.