Vadodara: India's defence manufacturing push reached a new milestone as the first domestically produced Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft completed its maiden test flight from the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara.

The successful flight marks the beginning of post-production testing for the aircraft and moves the programme a step closer to delivering the first India-built C-295 to the Indian Air Force later this year.

In a statement, the Indian Air Force said the achievement reflects the country's expanding aerospace manufacturing capabilities. "The achievement reinforces India's growing aerospace capabilities and underscores the Indian Air Force's commitment to fostering indigenous defence capability under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat," it said.

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

Airbus Defence also highlighted the significance of the flight in advancing the C-295 programme in India. "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. 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 aircraft is the first among 40 C-295 transport planes that will be manufactured in India under the programme. Airbus Defence described the initiative as a major step for domestic aerospace production.

"A game changer in the Government of India's 'Make in India' vision, the C295 India programme is the first instance of a military aircraft being manufactured in India by the private sector. The programme's progress reflects the steady and dedicated work of Airbus, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and several Indian MSMEs, which are manufacturing parts for the aircraft across India."

Airbus Defence thanked the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence and the Government of India for supporting the project. "We thank the Indian Air Force, Ministry of Defence and Government of India, for their unwavering trust in us. We are building the future of Indian aerospace."

The Indian Air Force also congratulated all stakeholders associated with the programme, which is expected to strengthen India's efforts to expand domestic defence production.

BI Bureau