India's defence manufacturing journey reached a new milestone on Wednesday as the first Airbus C295 military transport aircraft built in the country completed its maiden test flight from the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The development marks a key step in the production and testing phase of the transport aircraft programme being executed jointly by Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
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Major boost for India's defence manufacturing
Confirming the achievement, Airbus Defence said in a social media post, "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 testing process."
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
The successful flight moves the programme closer to its next objective, which is the delivery of the first India-built C295 aircraft to the IAF later this year.
First of 40 aircraft to be built in India
The aircraft that flew on Wednesday is the first among 40 C295 transport planes scheduled to be manufactured in India under the Airbus-Tata partnership.
Highlighting the programme's progress, the company said, "As the first of 40 aircraft to be built in India, the test flight advances the programme's objective of delivering the first 'Made in India' C295 aircraft this year to the Indian Air Force."
The project represents a landmark moment for the country's aerospace sector, as it is the first military aircraft programme being manufactured in India by a private-sector company.
Collaboration across India's industrial network
Airbus also acknowledged the contribution of domestic suppliers involved in the programme.
Airbus C295 maiden flight marks a major boost for India's defence sector. X/Airbus Defence "The programme's progress reflects the steady and dedicated work of Airbus, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the several Indian MSMEs, which are manufacturing parts for the aircraft across India," the statement added.
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The C295 is used globally for a wide range of operations, including troop and cargo transport, surveillance missions, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. The Vadodara facility, from where the aircraft undertook its test flight, was inaugurated in October 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
FAQs:
What are the features of the C295 aircraft?
The C295 can carry up to 8 tonnes of payload or 70 troops and can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling missions.
How many Airbus C295 aircraft does India have?
India has received 16 C295 aircraft from Spain, while 40 more are being manufactured in India under the Airbus-Tata partnership.
