Aviation News – India’s first domestically built C295 military transport aircraft has rolled out of the Airbus-Tata final assembly line in Vadodara, marking a major milestone in the country’s drive to strengthen indigenous aerospace manufacturing. The aircraft, unveiled on 15 May 2026, was completed months ahead of schedule and will now move toward its maiden flight.
The rollout is part of India’s landmark 2021 contract with Airbus for 56 C295 tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Under the agreement, the first 16 aircraft were built and delivered directly from Airbus’ production facility in Seville, with the final aircraft from that batch handed over in August 2025. The remaining 40 aircraft are being assembled in India at the Vadodara facility, established in 2024 through the industrial partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems.
The C295 is a medium tactical transport aircraft designed for troop movement, cargo delivery, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions. Its assembly in India significantly expands the country’s domestic aerospace capability, creating local supply chains, advancing manufacturing expertise, and reducing long-term reliance on foreign-built military platforms.