Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the manufacturing plant of C-295 transport aircraft in Vadodara. This is the first time the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside Europe.

Manufacturer

• European aviation major Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), the defence arm of Tatas, will manufacture the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

About the C-295 Deal

• In September 2021, India sealed a nearly ₹21,000 crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C-295 transport aircraft to replace the aging Avro-748 planes of the IAF under a project that entails manufacturing of military aircraft in India for the first time by a private company.
• Under the agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain within four years and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by the TASL in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two firms.

Features of C- 295 Aircraft

• The C-295 MW is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology.
• It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo.
• It will be installed with the indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.

Benefit

• The project will strengthen the logistic capabilities of the IAF.
• The project offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology-intensive and highly competitive aviation industry.
• It will augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and an expected increase in exports.
• This is in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The Project will generate huge employment opportunities for India.

Conclusion

• The Make in India movement in the defense sector is important in the direction of a self-reliant India in defence. India currently imports most of the defense products it uses. Private sector participation in defense will
  encourage foreign producers to forge strategic partnerships with various Indian businesses. This strategic collaboration will create many opportunities for producers in India's defense sector.