India, Spain PM Hail a New Era in Aerospace

- by India Writes Network | India Writes Network

In a landmark moment for India’s aerospace industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Gujarat on Monday. This new facility will produce 40 of the 56 C-295 military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force under a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) and Airbus, with the first 16 aircraft being delivered directly from Spain. The event marks a significant step in India’s march towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, a vision championed by PM Modi. “This is the triumph of your vision,” Mr. Sanchez remarked, lauding Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to making India a global hub for industrial manufacturing. PM Modi emphasized the project’s impact
on local job creation and technological advancement, adding that ” thousands of jobs will be created across India, and our MSMEs will lead in manufacturing 18,000 parts for these aircraft. Modi’s Vision for Self-Reliance. The new Tata Aircraft Complex is a reflection of PM Modi’s broader push for  Atmanirbhar Bharat which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports. ” This project is going to take India aviation and defense sectors to the next level, PM Modi said during the inauguration. He highlighted that the aircraft parts will be produced by micro and small industries across India, strengthening the local manufacturing ecosystem. He further stressed the significance of this collaboration between India and Spain, describing it as a catalyst for future partnerships. With this new facility, we are paving the way for Made- in-India civil aircraft in the future, he stated, emphasizing the long-term strategic importance of the project. Mr. Sanchez echoed PM Modi’s sentiments, calling the inauguration, celebration of an extraordinary partnership between India and Spain. He praised Tata’s industrial strength and Airbus technological innovation, saying, Tata is a giant among giants, and Airbus represents the essence of a united Europe. Mr. Sanchez also touched upon the broader impact of the collaboration, noting that the partnership between Airbus and Tata will not only enhance India’s defense capabilities but also open new doors for European companies to enter the Indian market. He added that the C-295 program will drive technological development and create thousands of jobs in Gujarat, further cementing the state’s position as India’s leading manufacturing hub.

Strengthening India-Spain Ties The event underscored the growing strength of India-Spain bilateral relations. Mr. Sanchez emphasized that the cooperation in defense and aerospace is just one aspect of a multifaceted partnership that includes investments in automotive, renewable energy, and digital sectors. This project strengthens our industrial ties and demonstrates Spain’s deep commitment as a strategic partner to India, he said. PM Modi, in turn, highlighted the cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations, referring to the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI planned for 2026. He also mentioned the legacy of Spanish priest Father Carlos Vallés, who lived in Gujarat and contributed to Indian culture. Our nations are united not just by industry but by shared cultural values, Modi said, inviting more Spanish companies to invest in India’s growth story.

A Strategic Step Forward

As India’s first private sector-led aircraft manufacturing project, the Tata- Airbus partnership is seen as a game-changer for India’s defense and aerospace industries. The C-295 aircraft, known for its versatility and robustness, will replace the Indian Air Force’s aging fleet of Avro transport planes. With the first India-made C-295 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026, the Tata Aircraft Complex is set to become a key player in the global aerospace supply chain. As Mr. Sanchez put it,” This is not just an industrial achievement; it’s a symbol of the growing friendship between India and Spain. “

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India Writes Network
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