New era for India's aerospace sector: Tata-Airbus aircraft assembly facility inaugurated in Gujarat

The much-anticipated inauguration of the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) aircraft assembly facility, a collaborative effort with Airbus, marks a significant milestone in India's aerospace sector. This facility, located in Vadodara, is set to enhance India's military capabilities while strengthening ties with Spain.

In a ceremony attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the facility was officially inaugurated, highlighting the fruitful partnership between Tata and Airbus. Prime Minister Modi expressed his optimism for the future, stating, "This factory will strengthen India-Spain relations as well as the 'Make in India, Make for the World' mission."

Prime Minister Sanchez underscored the project's importance, noting, "Today we are not only officially inaugurating a cutting-edge industrial facility, but we are also witnessing how an extraordinary project between two emblematic companies becomes a reality. This partnership will contribute to the progress of the Indian aerospace industry and open new doors for other European companies."

The assembly plant is part of a Rs 2,500 crore deal signed in 2021 for 56 C-295 military transport aircraft, with 16 to be delivered from Spain and 40 manufactured in India. This project promises to create a comprehensive ecosystem for aircraft development, covering assembly, testing, certification, and maintenance throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran reflected on the long journey leading to this moment, stating, “...I will fail in my duty if I forget to mention that this project was originally conceived more than a decade ago, in 2012, by the then Tata Sons Chairman, Ratan Tata Ji, who led the whole concept to build a relationship with Airbus and created this partnership with Airbus and laid the foundation stone for this opportunity. So I would like to remember him for his visionary leadership in this very path-breaking initiative. It is a historic moment not only for the Tata Group but also for India...”

He also committed to delivering the first indigenously manufactured aircraft in two years, emphasizing the project's role in training engineers and fostering local businesses.

The facility is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and train a new generation of highly qualified engineers and technicians. Sanchez elaborated, "In 2026, the first C295 manufactured in India will be produced by this plant... It will drive technological development, particularly for the state of Gujarat, India's leading manufacturing hub."

As the leaders celebrated this collaboration, they also highlighted the broader implications for India-Spain relations. Sanchez remarked, “This project brings together the best of two worlds. Tata is probably the best exponent of Indian industrial strength... Airbus embodies the very essence of a united Europe, committed to technological innovation and job creation.”