Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confident that India will soon become an aircraft exporter and meet “growing demand” in the civil aviation sector.
Inauguration Of Tata-Airbus Manufacturing Facility
PM Modi articulated this conviction after inaugurating the Tata-Airbus manufacturing facility in Vadodara in his home state along with the Spanish President, Pedro Sanchez.
The facility in Vadodara will be the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India.
First ‘Made In India’ C295 Aircraft
It will complete the first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft in 2026.
Modi said, ” I am absolutely confident that aircraft made in this factory will be exported to other countries.”
He said that the project is a step to strengthen the “Make in India, Make for the World” mission of the government.
C295 Is A symbol of Spain’s Aeronautical Industry
Sanchez added, “In 2026, the first C295 manufactured in India will fly. It is a symbol of the Spanish aeronautical industry.”
Visit By A Spanish President After Nearly Two Decades
This is the first visit by a Spanish President to India in 18 years.
Pedro Sanchez, accompanied by his spouse Begona Gomez is on an official visit to India from October 27-29, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
Agreement To Procure 56 C295 Aircraft
It was in September 2021 that India signed a Rs 21,935 crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C295 aircraft to replace the IAF’s ageing Avro-748 planes.
These planes had entered service in the early 1960s.
Under the agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain within four years.
The subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured by TASL in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.
Commitment To Strategic Partnership
The inauguration of the complex is being seen as an expression of deep commitment of the two countries to strategic partnership.
The Spanish President said, “This project strengthens our industrial ties while underlying our country’s deep commitment as a reliable and strategic partner.”
He said that the plant will be a symbol of “industrial excellence, an engine of growth and a testament to the close and growing friendship.
Government’s Vision
Modi gave himself a pat on the back by emphasizing that “decisions taken in the last decade” had paved the way for defence manufacturing in India
PM Modi said, “At that time… the priority and understanding was of only importing, but we decided to walk new paths and set new goals. The result is in front of us.”
India’s Defence Exports Have Increased Manifold
He said that India’s defence exports have increased by thirty times in the last decade.
“The defence manufacturing eco system in India has attained new heights.’’
Progressive Partnership
Sanchez said that the partnership between Airbus and Tata will contribute to the progress of the Indian aerospace industry and will “open new doors” for other European companies.
“This project brings together the best of two worlds,” he said.
Tata Is A Giant Among Giants
Sanchez described Tata as “probably the best exponent of Indian industrial strength.”
He further said, “Its products and services are present in virtually every country on the planet. Tata is a giant among giants.”
PM Modi paid tribute to Ratan Tata and said, “The (Tata-Airbus) facility is a reflection of new India’s work culture.”
Factory Will Benefit MSMEs
The facility is expected to benefit MSMEs (Micro Small And Medium Enterprises) across the country and make Vadodara the “centre of transport engineering”.
“Micro and small industries MSMEs will be making these parts.”
Job Creation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to how the Airbus and Tata factory will generate employment.
“Skill and job creation is our focus — the Airbus and Tata factory will create thousands of jobs.”
Other Benefits
Modi said that about 18,000 parts of the aircraft will be indigenously manufactured across the country.
Elaborating on the benefits of the new aircraft factory, Modi said that it will boost new skills and new industries.
Air Connectivity And MRO Hubs
Modi said, “We are working on increasing air connectivity in smaller towns and creating Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hubs… It will create a path for made-in-India civil aviation in the future and create an ecosystem.”
President Sanchez said, “Spain, like India, is promoting an ambitious roadmap. If Indian companies want to grow, they can trust Spain.”
He said that a new generation of highly qualified engineers and technicians will be trained in Vadodara.
Road Show
Modi and Sanchez also travelled in an open jeep and greeted people standing on both sides of the route from the airport to the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus.
The Spanish President acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hospitality in a post on X.
Bilateral Ties
India and Spain enjoy close and friendly relations.
Notably, Spain is the 16th biggest foreign investor in India.
The bilateral ties got a fresh impetus after Prime Minister Modi visited Spain in 2017.
Modi also put a post on X acknowledging that he held productive discussions with the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez.
“We wish to add even more momentum in our bilateral ties, especially in trade, commerce, culture, innovation, technology and more, ” PM Modi said.
