New Delhi: In a major milestone for India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, the first Airbus C295 military transport aircraft assembled in India successfully completed its maiden test flight from the Tata-Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The successful sortie marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.

First C295 Aircraft Manufactured in India Takes Flight

The aircraft, assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, underwent its first test flight on June 10. The flight validated key systems and manufacturing standards before the aircraft enters the certification and delivery process.

It is the first of 40 C295 aircraft that will be manufactured in India for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the landmark Airbus-Tata programme.

The first \’Made in India\’ Airbus C295 military transport aircraft has conducted its first test flight from the Final Assembly Line in Vadodara 🇮🇳, marking a milestone for Indian aviation and defence. This maiden test flight is a crucial step in the aircraft\’s post production… pic.twitter.com/nPkjpIENkD

\— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) June 10, 2026

Landmark Defence Manufacturing Project

The C295 programme is based on a ₹21,935-crore contract signed between India and Airbus in 2021 for the acquisition of 56 transport aircraft.

Under the agreement, 16 aircraft are being delivered directly from Airbus’s facility in Spain, while the remaining 40 are being produced in India. The project is the country’s first major military aircraft manufacturing programme led by a private-sector consortium.

The Indian Air Force congratulates the entire team behind the successful maiden flight of the first India-made C-295.

The achievement reinforces India’s growing aerospace capabilities and underscores the Indian Air Force commitment to fostering indigenous defence capability… pic.twitter.com/tsU0dQUdi5

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 10, 2026

Replacement for Ageing Avro Fleet

The C295 has been selected to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro-748 transport aircraft fleet.

Known for its versatility, the twin-engine tactical airlifter can transport troops, cargo, paratroopers, and medical evacuation teams. The aircraft is also capable of operating from short and semi-prepared runways, making it particularly suitable for missions in remote border regions, mountainous terrain, and island territories.

Vadodara Emerging as Aerospace Hub

The Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, inaugurated in 2024, has become the centrepiece of India’s military aviation manufacturing ecosystem.

The programme has helped create a broad domestic supply chain involving dozens of Indian companies, including numerous MSMEs, contributing to technology transfer, skill development, and job creation in the aerospace sector.

Major Boost to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Defence experts have described the maiden flight as a watershed moment for India’s aviation industry. Beyond strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force, the project is expected to deepen indigenous manufacturing expertise and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

The first India-built C295 is expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force later this year. As indigenous content rises in subsequent aircraft, the programme is likely to play a key role in advancing India’s long-term goal of becoming a global aerospace and defence manufacturing hub.