Made in India C-295 Aircraft | 31 Jan 2026

Source: IE 

The first 'Made in India' C-295 aircraft is scheduled to roll out before September 2026 from the Airbus-Tata Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara (Gujarat), marking a major milestone in defence indigenisation and India–Spain strategic cooperation. 

• This is part of a Rs 21,935 crore deal (2021) with Airbus Defence and Space for 56 C-295 aircraft, with 16 to be supplied from Spain in ‘fly-away’ condition and 40 to be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). 
  • The C-295 is a twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft designed for medium-range operations, enhancing the Indian Air Force's (IAF) capabilities. 
  • C-295 aircraft will replace the IAF's ageing British-origin Avro-748 transport planes. 

India-Spain Ties 

• Strategic Partnership Elevation: In 2026, India and Spain agreed to work towards elevating their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Spain also joined the India-backed Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). 
• Economic & Trade Cooperation: Spain is India’s 6th largest trade partner in the European Union (EU). Bilateral trade reached USD 9.32 billion in 2024, while Spain is the 16^th largest investor in India with cumulative FDI of USD 4.29 billion. 
  • India's top exports to Spain are mineral fuels, chemical products, iron and steel, textiles, machinery, seafood, and leather. Its major imports from Spain are mechanical appliances, chemicals, and plastics. 
• Cultural & Diplomatic Milestones: The nations are celebrating 2026 as the 'Dual Year' of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, coinciding with 70 years of diplomatic relations.