In a recent development, the Prime Minister of India marked the beginning of manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft, facilitated by Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This project stands out as it is the first time a private sector firm will undertake full-scale aircraft manufacturing in the country.
Details about the C-295 MW Transporter
The C-295 is a robust, versatile transport aircraft armed with contemporary technology. With a transportation capacity ranging from 5-10 tonnes, it can execute various missions efficiently. Equipped with a rear ramp door for spontaneous para dropping and cargo delivery, it has an impressive flight endurance of up to 11 hours. Not just that, the aircraft can conduct operations under any weather conditions, whether day or night. It can function seamlessly in diverse terrains, from deserts to maritime settings. Its ability to take off or land from semi-prepared surfaces is another valuable attribute.
Replacement Plan for Old Fleet
The C-295 is set to replace the Avro-748 planes, a British-origin twin-engine turboprop military transport and freighter aircraft currently serving the Indian Air Force. This replacement is part of an initiative to upgrade aging equipment with advanced technology.
Project Execution Plan
The project will be jointly executed by TASL and Airbus, and it falls under the Make-in-India initiative in the aerospace sector. Airbus will supply the initial 16 aircraft between September 2023 and August 2025. The remaining 40 aircraft will be assembled by TASL in India from September 2026 to 2031, at a rate of eight aircraft per year.
Impacts of the Manufacturing Facility on the Country
Setting up the manufacturing facility promises various benefits. Employment generation is one of them, with the TATA Consortium setting up partnerships with over 125 in-country MSME suppliers across seven states. The project is expected to create 600 highly skilled jobs directly and over 6000 indirect and medium-skill jobs. This will translate to more than 42.5 lakh man hours of work within India’s aerospace and defence sector.
A Boost for MSMEs
The aircraft project will substantially support the country’s sprawling network of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These enterprises will be key players in manufacturing the aircraft’s parts, bolstering the country’s aerospace ecosystem.
Reduction of Import Dependence
The domestic aviation manufacturing project aims to lessen import dependence and increase exports. It plans to manufacture a large number of detail parts, sub-assemblies, and major component assemblies in India.
Infrastructure Development
The C-295 aircraft project is not just about production. It also involves the development of specialized infrastructure in the form of hangars, buildings, aprons, and taxiways. Additionally, a ‘D’ Level servicing facility for C-295MW aircraft is scheduled to be established in India before completion of deliveries, positioning the nation as a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub.
Offset Obligations
Under this initiative, Airbus is expected to fulfill its offset obligations by purchasing eligible products and services directly from Indian offset partners. The offset obligation refers to a commitment given by an international company to strengthen the domestic industry of the buying country, in this case, India.
The Future of India’s Civil Aviation Sector
India has a substantial footprint in civil aviation manufacturing, signifying potential for huge growth. Major players such as Airbus and Boeing already source significant materiel from India. For instance, Boeing’s sourcing from India stands at USD 1 billion annually, with manufacturing accounting for over 60% of it.
The ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the Globe’ initiatives continue to drive India towards becoming a major manufacturer of transport planes. Airbus has had a wholly domestic-owned design centre in India since 2007. With more than 650 engineers specializing in high-tech aeronautical engineering, they work across both fixed- and rotary-wing Airbus aircraft programmes. Over the next 10-15 years, India will require about 2000 more passenger and cargo aircraft. The MRO sector, which keeps or restores an item to its working condition, is another promising area for potential growth.
