Why In the News?
The India-Spain defense partnership is witnessing a landmark transition as the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft prepares for its rollout from the Vadodara Final Assembly Line (FAL) by September 2026. This project represents a shift from traditional public-sector dominance to a robust private-sector-led aerospace ecosystem.
Strategic Background
- Purpose: Modernisation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) transport fleet.
- Replacement: Aging HS-748 Avro aircraft (in service for ~60 years).
- Operational Areas:
- High-altitude regions (e.g., Ladakh)
- Island territories (e.g., Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
About C-295 Aircraft
- Type: Medium-range, twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft
- Manufacturer: Airbus Defence and Space
Key Capabilities
- Roles:
- Troop and cargo transport
- Paratroop drops
- Disaster relief
- MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation)
- STOL Capability: Can operate from short, semi-prepared, or unpaved runways
- Design Feature: Rear loading ramp
- Mission Systems:
- FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System)
- Touchscreen-based navigation
- Endurance: Over 11 hours
- Special Feature: “Bubble windows” for surveillance and observation
Make in India & Defence Indigenization
- Deal Value: ₹21,935 crore
- Total Aircraft: 56
- 16 delivered in fly-away condition from Seville, Spain
- 40 manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL)
- Historic First: First complete military aircraft manufactured in India by a private consortium
- Indigenization:
- ~90% technology transfer
- Over 13,000 components to be locally manufactured
- Impact: Creation of a domestic aerospace supply chain ecosystem
Bilateral Significance: India–Spain
- Diplomatic Relations:
- 70 years of ties in 2026
- Celebrated as Dual Year of Culture, Tourism & Artificial Intelligence
- Economic Relations:
- Bilateral trade exceeds $8 billion
- Strategic Outlook:
- Proposal to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership
- Cooperation for a rules-based international order, including the Indo-Pacific
With respect to the technical architecture of the C-295, consider the following statements:
I. The aircraft is equipped with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) for enhanced mission control.
II. The project establishes the first private-sector-led final assembly line for military aircraft in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Answer : C
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The C-295 is equipped with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS). This is a modular, high-tech mission system that integrates data from various sensors (such as radars and electro-optical sensors) onto a common interface. It allows the crew to monitor and control complex missions like maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring in real-time.
Statement 2 is correct: The C-295 program is a landmark in Indian defense manufacturing. It marks the first time a private-sector company (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) has established a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. Under the deal, while the first 16 aircraft are delivered from Spain, the remaining 40 will be manufactured and assembled at the Vadodara facility.
Practice Today’s MCQs
[rev_slider alias="slider-2"][/rev_slider]