The test marks a significant milestone in the country’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing
India’s defence manufacturing sector achieved a major milestone as the first made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft successfully completed its maiden test flight, according to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The successful flight marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous aerospace and defence production under the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The IAF is procuring a total of 56 C-295 transport aircraft under a deal worth approximately Rs 21,935 crore. Of these, 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in partnership with Airbus at a dedicated production facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Congratulating the teams involved in the programme, the Indian Air Force described the maiden flight as an important achievement for the country’s aerospace ecosystem.
“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.
The C-295 is a versatile tactical military transport aircraft designed for troop and cargo movement, logistics support, disaster relief operations and humanitarian missions. The induction of domestically produced aircraft is expected to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing.
The programme is also expected to create a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem in India by generating employment, boosting local supply chains and encouraging technology transfer in the aerospace sector.
The successful maiden flight is being viewed as a landmark achievement for India’s defence aviation industry and a key step toward expanding indigenous military aircraft production capabilities.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
